Crosslinkable polycarbonate resins

ABSTRACT

Crosslinkable polycarbonate resins having improved properties are disclosed. The crosslinkable polycarbonate resins are formed from a reaction of at least a benzophenone, a first dihydroxy chain extender, and a carbonate precursor, and may include a second dihydroxy chain extender as well.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/014,831, filed on Jun. 20, 2014, which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to cross-linkable polycarbonate terpolymers and teroligomers that contain a photoactive group derived from a benzophenone, which will crosslink upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Also included are processes for forming, blends including, and articles containing such terpolymers/teroligomers.

Polycarbonates (PC) are thermoplastic resins with desirable properties such as high impact strength and toughness, transparency, and heat resistance. However, they also drip when exposed to a flame, and this behavior worsens as wall thickness decreases. This is undesirable for applications requiring V0 or 5VA performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to crosslinkable polycarbonate terpolymers/teroligomers that have a photoactive group derived from a benzophenone. Generally, they are formed from a dihydroxybenzophenone monomer, two different dihydroxy chain extenders, and a carbonate precursor. The terpolymers/teroligomers will have improved properties, such as flame resistance and chemical resistance.

Disclosed in various embodiments herein are crosslinkable polycarbonate resins formed from a reaction comprising at least: a dihydroxybenzophenone, a first dihydroxy chain extender, a second dihydroxy chain extender, and a carbonate precursor. The dihydroxybenzophenone contains a photoactive ketone group that is capable of crosslinking when exposed to an effective dosage of ultraviolet radiation.

In particular embodiments, the second dihydroxy chain extender is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. In these embodiments, the dihydroxybenzophenone can be 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone; and the first dihydroxy chain extender can be bisphenol-A. In some specific embodiments, the second dihydroxy chain extender is sebacic acid and the carbonate precursor is phosgene. The resin may contain from about about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The resin may contain from about 35 mole % to about 99 mole % of repeating units derived from the first dihydroxy chain extender. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone. The resin may have a melt flow rate (MFR) of about 1 to about 45 g/10 min, when measured according to ASTM D1238-13 at 1.2 kg load, 300° C., and 360 second dwell.

In other embodiments, the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone; and the first dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A. The second dihydroxy chain extender may be one of several different monomers.

In some embodiments of the resin, the second dihydroxy chain extender is a polysiloxane monomer. The polysiloxane monomer may be present in an amount such that the resin contains from 1 wt % to 25 wt % of siloxane units, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate resin.

In other embodiments of the resin, the second dihydroxy chain extender is a bisphenol of Formula (A) as described further herein.

In some specific embodiments, the second dihydroxy chain extender of Formula (A) is 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane (DMBPC). The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the DMBPC. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

In other specific embodiments, the second dihydroxy chain extender of Formula (A) is tetrabromobisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the tetrabromobisphenol-A. Alternatively, the resin may contain repeating units derived from the tetrabromobisphenol-A in an amount such that the resin contains from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of bromine, based on the total weight of the resin. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

In other embodiments, the second dihydroxy chain extender is 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one (PPPBP). The resin may contain from about 5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the PPPBP. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 94.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

Generally, the resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

In some embodiments, the reaction that forms the resin further comprises an end-capping agent selected from the group consisting of phenol, t-butylphenol, p-cumylphenol, octylphenol, and p-cyanophenol.

Also disclosed in various embodiments herein are cross-linkable polycarbonate resins that are formed from a reaction comprising: a benzophenone; a dihydroxy chain extender; and a carbonate precursor.

In some embodiments, the benzophenone is a monohydroxybenzophenone; the dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A; and the reaction forming the resin further comprises an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. In particular embodiments, the monohydroxybenzophenone is 4-hydroxybenzophenone; and the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid is sebacic acid. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The resin may contain from about 85 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy chain extender. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 5 mole % of endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone.

In other embodiments, the benzophenone is a dihydroxybenzophenone; and the dihydroxy chain extender is 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-ethane (bisphenol-AP). The dihydroxybenzophenone may be 4,4′-hydroxybenzophenone. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone. The resin may contain from about 50 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-AP. The reaction forming the resin may further comprise an end-capping agent selected from the group consisting of phenol, t-butylphenol, p-cumylphenol, octylphenol, and p-cyanophenol.

Also disclosed herein are polymeric compositions comprising the resins described, and articles formed therefrom. The articles can be exposed to UV radiation to cause cross-linking of the resin.

Also disclosed are processes for improving at least one property of an article produced from a polymeric base resin, comprising: blending with the polymeric base resin a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin (as described above) to produce a blend; forming the article from the blend; and exposing a surface of the formed article to an effective dosage of ultraviolet (UV) radiation to cause crosslinking on the surface of the article.

These and other non-limiting characteristics are more particularly described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are presented to illustrate the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein and not to limit them.

FIG. 1 illustrates the formation of a photoactive

cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), a polysiloxane monomer (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent).

FIG. 2 illustrates the formation of a photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), sebacic acid (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent).

FIG. 3 illustrates the formation of a photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), a DMBPC monomer (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent).

FIG. 4 illustrates the formation of a photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), a tetrabromobisphenol-A monomer (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent).

FIG. 5 illustrates the crosslinking mechanism of the photoactive additive.

FIG. 6 illustrates the formation of a photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from 4-hydroxybenzophenone (benzophenone), bisphenol-A (dihydroxy chain extender), sebacic acid (aliphatic dicarboxylic acid), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent).

FIG. 7 illustrates the formation of a photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (benzophenone), bisphenol-AP (dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following specification, the examples, and the claims which follow, reference will be made to some terms which are defined as follows.

Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the open-ended transitional phrases “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. These phrases should also be construed as disclosing the closed-ended phrases “consist of” or “consist essentially of” that permit only the named ingredients/steps and unavoidable impurities, and exclude other ingredients/steps.

Numerical values used herein should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of the measurement technique described for determining the value.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).

The term “about” can be used to include any numerical value that can carry without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” also discloses the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g., “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. Any position not substituted by an indicated group is understood to have its valency filled by a bond or a hydrogen atom. A dash (“-”) that is not between two letters indicates a point of attachment for a substituent, e.g. —CHO attaches through the carbon atom.

The term “aliphatic” refers to an array of atoms that is not aromatic. The backbone of an aliphatic group is composed exclusively of carbon. An aliphatic group is substituted or unsubstituted. Exemplary aliphatic groups are ethyl and isopropyl.

An “aromatic” radical has a ring system containing a delocalized conjugated pi system with a number of pi-electrons that obeys Hückel's Rule. The ring system may include heteroatoms (e.g. N, S, Se, Si, O), or may be composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. Aromatic groups are not substituted. Exemplary aromatic groups include phenyl, thienyl, naphthyl, and biphenyl.

An “ester” radical has the formula —CO—O—, with the carbon atom and the oxygen atom both bonded to carbon atoms. A “carbonate” radical has the formula —O—CO—O—, with the oxygen atoms both bonded to carbon atoms. Note that a carbonate group is not an ester group, and an ester group is not a carbonate group.

A “hydroxyl” radical has the formula —OH, with the oxygen atom bonded to a carbon atom. A “carboxy” or “carboxyl” radical has the formula —COOH, with the carbon atom bonded to another carbon atom. A carboxyl group can be considered as having a hydroxyl group. However, please note that a carboxyl group participates in certain reactions differently from a hydroxyl group. An “anhydride” radical has the formula —CO—O—CO—, with the carbonyl carbon atoms bonded to other carbon atoms. This radical can be considered equivalent to two carboxyl groups. The term “acid halide” refers to a radical of the formula —CO—X, with the carbon atom bonded to another carbon atom.

The term “alkyl” refers to a fully saturated radical composed entirely of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. The alkyl radical may be linear, branched, or cyclic. The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic radical composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. Exemplary aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, and biphenyl. The term “hydrocarbon” refers to a radical which is composed exclusively of carbon and hydrogen. Both alkyl and aryl groups are considered hydrocarbon groups. The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic radical containing at least one heteroatom. Note that “heteroaryl” is a subset of aromatic, and is exclusive of “aryl”.

The term “halogen” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. The term “halo” means that the substituent to which the prefix is attached is substituted with one or more independently selected halogen radicals.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl radical which is attached to an oxygen atom, i.e. —O—C_(n)H_(2n+1). The term “aryloxy” refers to an aryl radical which is attached to an oxygen atom, e.g. —O—C₆H₅.

An “alkenyl” radical is composed entirely of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms and contains a carbon-carbon double bond that is not part of an aromatic structure. An exemplary alkenyl radical is vinyl (—CH═CH₂).

The term “alkenyloxy” refers to an alkenyl radical which is attached to an oxygen atom, e.g. —O—CH═CH₂. The term “arylalkyl” refers to an aryl radical which is attached to an alkyl radical, e.g. benzyl (—CH₂—C₆H₅). The term “alkylaryl” refers to an alkyl radical which is attached to an aryl radical, e.g. tolyl (—C₆H₄—CH₃).

The term “substituted” refers to at least one hydrogen atom on the named radical being substituted with another functional group, such as halogen, —CN, or —NO₂. However, the functional group is not hydroxyl, carboxyl, ester, acid halide, or anhydride. Besides the aforementioned functional groups, an aryl group may also be substituted with alkyl or alkoxy. An exemplary substituted aryl group is methylphenyl.

The term “copolymer” refers to a polymer derived from two or more structural units or monomeric species, as opposed to a homopolymer, which is derived from only one structural unit or monomer. The term “terpolymer” refers to copolymers derived specifically from only three different monomers. The term “co-oligomer” refers to an oligomer derived from two or more monomers. The term “teroligomer” refers to an oligomer derived from only three different monomers.” The terms “dipolymer” and “dioligomer” refer to a polymer or oligomer, respectively, derived from only two monomers.

The terms “Glass Transition Temperature” or “Tg” refer to the maximum temperature that a polycarbonate will retain at least one useful property such as impact resistance, stiffness, strength, or shape retention. The Tg can be determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

The term “haze” refers to the percentage of transmitted light, which in passing through a specimen deviates from the incident beam by forward scattering. Percent (%) haze may be measured according to ASTM D1003-13.

The term “Melt Volume Rate” (MVR) or “Melt Flow Rate (MFR)” refers to the flow rate of a polymer in a melt phase as determined using the method of ASTM D1238-13. MVR is expressed in cubic centimeter per 10 minutes, and MFR is expressed in grams per 10 minutes. The higher the MVR or MFR value of a polymer at a specific temperature, the greater the flow of that polymer at that specific temperature.

The term “percent light transmission” or “% T” refers to the ratio of transmitted light to incident light, and may be measured according to ASTM D1003-13.

“Polycarbonate” as used herein refers to an oligomer or a polymer comprising residues of one or more monomers, joined by carbonate linkages.

The terms “UVA”, “UVB”, “UVC”, and “UVV” as used herein were defined by the wavelengths of light measured with the radiometer (EIT PowerPuck) used in these studies, as defined by the manufacturer (EIT Inc., Sterling, Va.). “UV” radiation refers to wavelengths of 200 nanometer (nm) to 450 nm. UVA refers to the range from 320-390 nm, UVB to the range from 280-320 nm, UVC to the range from 250-260 nm, and UVV to the range from 395-445 nm.

The term “crosslink” and its variants refer to the formation of a stable covalent bond between two polymers/oligomers. This term is intended to encompass the formation of covalent bonds that result in network formation, or the formation of covalent bonds that result in chain extension. The term “cross-linkable” refers to the ability of a polymer/oligomer to initiate the formation of such stable covalent bonds. The term “non-cross-linkable” means the polymer/oligomer does not have to ability to initiate the formation of a stable covalent bond, but does not preclude the ability for that polymer/oligomer to crosslink due to the activity of a cross-linkable polymer/oligomer.

The present disclosure refers to “polymers,” “oligomers”, and “compounds”. A polymer is a large molecule composed of multiple repeating units chained together. Different molecules of a polymer will have different lengths, and so a polymer has a molecular weight that is based on the average value of the molecules (e.g. weight average or number average molecular weight). An “oligomer” has only a few repeating units, while a “polymer” has many repeating units. In this disclosure, “oligomer” refers to molecules having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of less than 15,000, and the term “polymer” refers to molecules having an Mw of 15,000 or more, as measured by GPC using polycarbonate molecular weight standards, measured prior to any UV exposure. In a compound, all molecules have the same molecular weight. Molecular weights are reported herein in Daltons or g/mol.

Articles

The present disclosure relates to cross-linkable polycarbonate resins which can be used as photoactive additives. As disclosed herein, these cross-linkable polycarbonate resins are terpolymers or copolymers, or teroligomers or co-oligomers. When the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is added to one or more base resins and is then exposed to UV light of the appropriate wavelength(s), the resulting composition will have improved anti-drip and flame retardant properties compared to the base resins alone or to the composition prior to the UV irradiation. The composition can be used to provide thin-walled materials that are UL94 V0 compliant and of a desired color. To simplify discussion, this disclosure will refer only to terpolymers and copolymers, but this should be construed as also referring to teroligomers and co-oligomers.

Generally, the photoactive additives (PAA) of the present disclosure are cross-linkable polycarbonate resins that contain photoactive ketone groups. The term “photoactive” refers to a moiety that, when exposed to ultraviolet light of the appropriate wavelength, crosslinks with another molecule. For example, the bisphenol-A monomer in a bisphenol-A homopolycarbonate is not considered to be photoactive, even though photo-Fries rearrangement can occur, because the atoms do not crosslink, but merely rearrange in the polymer backbone. A “ketone group” is a carbonyl group (—CO—) that is bonded to two other carbon atoms (i.e. —R—CO—R′—). An ester group and a carboxylic acid group are not a ketone group because their carbonyl group is bonded to an oxygen atom.

The cross-linkable polycarbonate resins of the present disclosure are formed from a reaction mixture containing at least a dihydroxybenzophenone, a first dihydroxy chain extender, a second dihydroxy chain extender, and a carbonate precursor. The dihydroxybenzophenone provides a photoactive ketone group for crosslinking. The carbonate precursor forms carbonate linkages between the dihydroxy compounds. If desired, an end-capping agent may also be included.

The cross-linkable polycarbonate resins of the present disclosure are formed from a reaction mixture containing at least a hydroxybenzophenone, a dihydroxy chain extender, and a carbonate precursor. The hydroxybenzophenone can be either a monohydroxybenzophenone that acts as an end-capping agent, or can be a dihydroxybenzophenone monomer.

In some embodiments, the benzophenone is a monohydroxybenzophenone, and has the structure of Formula (I):

In more specific embodiments, the monohydroxybenzophenone is 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP).

In other embodiments, the benzophenone is a dihydroxybenzophenone, and has the structure of Formula (II):

The two hydroxyl groups can be located in any combination of locations, e.g. 4,4′-; 2,2′-; 2,4′-; etc. In more specific embodiments, the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (4,4′-DHBP).

The cross-linkable polycarbonate resins also include one or more dihydroxy chain extenders (depending on whether a copolymer or terpolymer is desired). The dihydroxy chain extender is a molecule that contains only two hydroxyl groups. It is contemplated that the dihydroxy chain extender can be a diol or a diacid. The dihydroxy chain extender is not photoactive when exposed to light. The chain extender can be used to provide a desired level of miscibility when the additive is mixed with other polymeric resins. The photoactive additive may comprise from about 75 mole % to about 99.5 mole %, or from 95 mole % to about 99 mole %, or from about 80 mole % to about 95 mole %, or from about 80 mole % to about 90 mole %, of the dihydroxy chain extender.

A first exemplary dihydroxy chain extender is a bisphenol of Formula (A):

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) each represent a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group and may be the same or different; p and q are each independently integers of 0 to 4; and A represents one of the groups of Formula (A-1):

wherein R^(c) and R^(d) each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent linear or cyclic hydrocarbon group; R^(e) is a divalent hydrocarbon group; R^(f) is a monovalent linear hydrocarbon group; and r is an integer from 0 to 5. For example, A can be a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₁₈ cycloalkylidene.

Specific examples of the types of bisphenol compounds that may be represented by Formula (A) include 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (“bisphenol-A” or “BPA”), 4,4′-(1-phenylethane-1,1-diyl)diphenol or 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-ethane (bisphenol-AP); 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane) (bisphenol TMC); 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl) cyclohexane (DMBPC); and 2,2-bis(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (tetrabromobisphenol-A or TBBPA).

A second exemplary dihydroxy chain extender is a bisphenol of Formula (B):

wherein each R^(k) is independently a C₁₋₁₀ hydrocarbon group, and n is 0 to 4. The halogen is usually bromine. Examples of compounds that may be represented by Formula (B) include resorcinol, 5-methyl resorcinol, 5-phenyl resorcinol, catechol; hydroquinone; and substituted hydroquinones such as 2-methyl hydroquinone.

A third exemplary dihydroxy chain extender is a bisphenolpolydiorganosiloxane of Formula (C-1) or (C-2):

wherein each Ar is independently aryl; each R is independently alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, aryl, aryloxy, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl; each R₆ is independently a divalent C₁-C₃₀ organic group such as a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl, C₁-C₃₀ aryl, or C₁-C₃₀ alkylaryl; and D and E are an average value of 2 to about 1000, including from about 2 to about 500, or about 10 to about 200, or more specifically about 10 to about 75.

Specific examples of Formulas (C-1) and (C-2) are illustrated below as Formulas (C-a) through (C-d):

where E is an average value from 10 to 200.

A fourth exemplary dihydroxy chain extender is an aliphatic diol of Formula (D):

wherein each X is independently hydrogen, halogen, or alkyl; and j is an integer from 1 to 20. Examples of an aliphatic diol include ethylene glycol, propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-propanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, and 1,12-dodecanediol.

A fifth exemplary dihydroxy chain extender is a dihydroxy compound of Formula (E), which may be useful for high heat applications:

wherein R¹³ and R¹⁵ are each independently halogen or C₁-C₆ alkyl, R¹⁴ is C₁-C₆ alkyl, or phenyl substituted with up to five halogens or C₁-C₆ alkyl groups, and c is 0 to 4. In specific embodiments, R¹⁴ is a C₁-C₆ alkyl or phenyl group; or each c is 0. Compounds of Formula (E) include 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one (PPPBP).

Another dihydroxy chain extender that might impart high Tgs to the polycarbonate has adamantane units. Such compounds may have repetitive units of the following formula (F) for high heat applications:

wherein R₁ is halogen, C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C₇-C₁₃ aryl-substituted alkenyl, or C₁-C₆ fluoroalkyl; R₂ is halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkoxy, C₆-C₁₂ aryl, C₇-C₁₃ aryl-substituted alkenyl, or C₁-C₁₂ fluoroalkyl; m is an integer of 0 to 4; and n is an integer of 0 to 14.

Another dihydroxy compound that might impart high Tgs to the polycarbonate is a fluorene-unit containing dihydroxy compound represented by the following Formula (G):

herein R₁ to R₄ are each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₉ hydrocarbon, or halogen.

Another dihydroxy chain extender that could be used is an isosorbide. A monomer unit derived from isosorbide may be an isorbide-bisphenol unit of Formula (H):

wherein R₁ is an isosorbide unit and R₂-R₉ are each independently a hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₆ alkyl, a methoxy, an ethoxy, or an alkyl ester.

The R₁ isosorbide unit may be represented by Formula (H-a):

The isosorbide unit may be derived from one isosorbide, or be a mixture of isomers of isosorbide. The stereochemistry of Formula (I) is not particularly limited. These diols may be prepared by the dehydration of the corresponding hexitols. The isosorbide-bisphenol may have a pKa of between 8 and 11.

While the compounds of Formulas (A)-(H) are diols, diacids may also be used as the dihydroxy chain extender. Some exemplary diacids include those having the structures of one of Formulas (1)-(2):

where Y is hydroxyl, halogen, alkoxy, or aryloxy; and where n is 1 to 20. It should be noted that Formula (1) encompasses adipic acid (n=4), sebacic acid (n=8), and dodecanedioic acid (n=10). Similarly, Formula (2) encompasses isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid. When diacids are used, the crosslinkable polycarbonate of the present disclosure may be a polyester-polycarbonate. The molar ratio of ester units to carbonate units in the polyester-polycarbonate may be 1:99 to 99:1, specifically 10:90 to 90:10, more specifically 25:75 to 75:25.

When a monohydroxybenzophenone is used to form endcaps, the molar ratio of the benzophenone to the dihydroxy chain extender(s) can be from 1:2 to 1:200 prior to UV exposure, including from about 1:10 to about 1:200 or from about 1:20 to about 1:200. When a dihydroxybenzophenone is used as a monomer, the molar ratio of the benzophenone to the dihydroxy chain extender(s) can be from 1:1 to 1:200 prior to UV exposure, including from 1:2 to 1:200, or from about 1:99 to about 3:97, or from about 1:99 to about 6:94, or from about 10:90 to about 25:75 or from about 1:3 to about 1:200.

The reaction mixture used to form the cross-linkable polycarbonate resins of the present disclosure also includes a carbonate precursor. The carbonate precursor serves as a carbonyl source. In particular, the carbonate precursor may be phosgene, or a diaryl carbonate. Exemplary diaryl carbonates include for example diphenyl carbonate (DPC), ditolyl carbonate, bis(chlorophenyl) carbonate, m-cresyl carbonate, and dinaphthyl carbonate, and are used in melt polymerization processes. In interfacial polymerization processes, phosgene and carbonyl halides are usually selected as the carbonate precursor.

Particularly contemplated for use in the processes of the present disclosure are phosgene and diphenyl carbonate (DPC), which are illustrated below as Formulas (3) and (4), respectively:

If desired, the reaction mixture can include branching agents that contain three, four, or even more functional groups. The functional groups can be, for example, hydroxyl groups or carboxylic acid groups. Generally speaking, these react in the same way as the dihydroxy chain extender. Branching agents with three hydroxyl groups include 1,1,1-trimethoxyethane; 1,1,1-trimethoxymethane; 1,1,1-tris (hydroxyphenyl) ethane (TH PE), and 1,3,5-tris[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-yl]benzene. Branching agents with four hydroxyl groups include pentaerythritol and 4-[2,6,6-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)heptan-2-yl]phenol. In other embodiments, the branching agent can be an oligomer, made from epoxidized novolac monomer, that permits the desired number of functional groups to be provided.

Branching agents having three carboxylic acid groups include benzenetricarboxylic acid, citric acid, and cyanuric chloride. Branching agents having four carboxylic acid groups include benzenetetracarboxylic acid, biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid, and benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride. The corresponding acyl halides and esters of such acids are also contemplated. Oligomers containing glycidyl methacrylate monomers with styrene or methacrylate monomers are also contemplated.

An end-capping agent is generally used to terminate any polymer chains of the photoactive additive. The end-capping agent (i.e. chain stopper) can be a monohydroxy compound, a mono-acid compound, or a mono-ester compound. Exemplary endcapping agents include phenol, p-cumylphenol (PCP), resorcinol monobenzoate, p-tert-butylphenol, octylphenol, p-cyanophenol, and p-methoxyphenol. Unless modified with other adjectives, the term “end-capping agent” is used herein to denote a compound that is not photoactive when exposed to light. For example, the end-capping agent does not contain a ketone group. The photoactive additive may comprise about 0.5 mole % to about 5.0 mole % endcap groups derived from this non-photoactive end-capping agent. It is noted that when the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin contains a monohydroxybenzophenone, the monohydroxybenzophenone acts as an end-capping agent. In that situation, a second non-photoactive end-capping agent can also be used. The photoactive additive may comprise about 0.5 mole % to about 5.0 mole % endcap groups derived from each end-capping agent, including about 1 mole % to about 3 mole %, or from about 1.7 mole % to about 2.5 mole %, or from about 2 mole % to about 2.5 mole %, or from about 2.5 mole % to about 3.0 mole % endcap groups derived from each end-capping agent.

The cross-linkable polycarbonate resins of the present disclosure can be an oligomer or a polymer. The oligomer has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of less than 15,000, including 10,000 or less. The polymeric polycarbonates of the present disclosure have a Mw of 15,000 or higher. In particular embodiments, the Mw is between 17,000 and 80,000 Daltons, or between 17,000 and 35,000 Daltons. These molecular weights are measured prior to any UV exposure. The Mw may be varied as desired. In some particular embodiments, the Mw of the photoactive additives is about 5,000 or less.

One example of a photoactive additive is a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin shown in FIG. 1. Here, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (DHBP, dihydroxybenzophenone) is reacted with bisphenol-A (BPA, first dihydroxy chain extender), a polysiloxane monomer (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent) to obtain the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin. A resin is thus formed with a weight average molecular weight and a polydispersity index, and containing carbonate linkages. The molar ratio of BPA to DHBP to polysiloxane is p:q:r. This notation reports the relative molar amounts between these three units, and does not denote the structure of the resin (i.e. not necessarily a block resin).

Another example of a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is shown in FIG. 2. Here, DHBP, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), sebacic acid (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent) are reacted to obtain the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin.

FIG. 3 illustrates the formation of another cross-linkable polycarbonate resin. DHBP, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), a DMBPC monomer (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent) are reacted to obtain the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin.

FIG. 4 illustrates the formation of yet another photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin. DHBP, bisphenol-A (first dihydroxy chain extender), a tetrabromobisphenol-A monomer (second dihydroxy chain extender), phosgene (a carbonate precursor), and t-butylphenol (end-capping agent) are reacted to obtain the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin.

One crosslinking mechanism of the photoactive additives is believed to be due to hydrogen abstraction by the ketone group from an alkyl group that acts as a hydrogen donor and subsequent coupling of the resulting radicals. This mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 5 with reference to a benzophenone (the photoactive moiety) and a bisphenol-A (BPA) monomer. Upon exposure to UV, the oxygen atom of the benzophenone abstracts a hydrogen atom from a methyl group on the BPA monomer and becomes a hydroxyl group. The methylene group then forms a covalent bond with the carbon of the ketone group. Put another way, the ketone group of the benzophenone could be considered to be a photoactive group. It should be noted that the presence of hydrogen is critical for this reaction to occur. Other mechanisms may occur after the initial abstraction event with base resins containing unsaturated bonds or reactive side groups.

In some embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin contains repeating units derived from a dihydroxybenzophenone monomer (i.e. of Formula (II)). The cross-linkable polycarbonate resin may comprise from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone. In more particular embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin comprises from about 1 mole % to about 3 mole %, or from about 1 mole % to about 5 mole %, or from about 1 mole % to about 6 mole %, or from about 5 mole % to about 20 mole %, or from about 10 mole % to about 20 mole %, or from about 0.5 mole % to about 25 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

In more specific embodiments, the photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, a first dihydroxy chain extender, a second dihydroxy chain extender, a carbonate precursor, and optionally one or more end-capping agents. The resin contains from about 0.5 mole % to 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone, from about 50 mole % to 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the first dihydroxy chain extender, and from about 50 mole % to 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the second dihydroxy chain extender. Most desirably, the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone. Usually, the first dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A. In particular embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin does not have photoactive endcaps.

In other specific embodiments, the photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, a first dihydroxy chain extender, a carbonate precursor, and optionally one or more end-capping agents. The resin contains from about 0.5 mole % to 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone, and from about 50 mole % to 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the first dihydroxy chain extender. Most desirably, the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone. In particular embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin does not have photoactive endcaps.

In yet other embodiments, the photoactive additive is a cross-linkable polycarbonate resin comprising endcap groups derived from a monohydroxybenzophenone monomer (i.e. of Formula (I)). The cross-linkable polycarbonate resin may comprise about 0.5 mole % to about 5 mole % endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone, including from about 1 mole % to about 3 mole, or from about 1.7 mole % to about 2.5 mole %, or from about 2 mole % to about 2.5 mole %, or from about 2.5 mole % to about 3.0 mole %, or from about 3.5 mole % to about 4.0 mole % endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone. Most desirably, the monohydroxybenzophenone is 4-hydroxybenzophenone.

In more specific embodiments, the photoactive cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a monohydroxybenzophenone, a first dihydroxy chain extender, a second dihydroxy chain extender, a carbonate precursor, and optionally a non-photoactive end-capping agent. The resin contains from about 0.5 mole % to 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the first dihydroxy chain extender, about 0.5 mole % to 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the second dihydroxy chain extender, and about from 0.5 mole % to about 5 mole % endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone.

Some specific cross-linkable polycarbonate resins are contemplated by the present disclosure. Those specific polycarbonate resins are described below.

In some particular embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, a dihydroxy chain extender, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and a carbonate precursor. More specifically, the dihydroxybenzophenone can be 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (4,4′-DHBP); the dihydroxy chain extender can be a bisphenol of Formula (A), such as bisphenol-A; the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid can be sebacic acid; and the carbonate precursor can be phosgene. The resin may contain from about 35 mole % to about 99 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy chain extender, including from about 55 mole % to about 99 mole %. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone, including from about 0.5 mole % to about 30 mole %.

The aliphatic dicarboxylic acid provides a “soft block” that reduces the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin, which provides a higher flow rate than a polycarbonate homopolymer of equivalent molecular weight. In particular, it is contemplated that this resin containing an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid can obtain an MFR of about 1 to about 45 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238-13 at 1.2 kg load, 300° C., and 360 second dwell. It is also believed that the higher number of abstractable hydrogen atoms imparted by the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid will improve the crosslinking efficiency of the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin compared to polymers that do not contain this functional group.

In other particular embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A, a polysiloxane monomer such as those of Formula (C-1) or (C-2), and a carbonate precursor. More specifically, the dihydroxybenzophenone can be 4,4′-DHBP; and the carbonate precursor can be phosgene. The polysiloxane monomer is present in an amount such that the resin contains from about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % of siloxane units, based on the total weight of the resin. Alternatively, the resin may comprise from about 1 wt % to about 25 wt % of repeating units derived from the polysiloxane monomer. In particular embodiments, the resin comprises from about 5 mole % to about 20 mole % of repeating units derived from 4,4′-DHBP, and comprises from about 3 wt % to about 25 wt % of repeating units derived from the polysiloxane monomer, with the remainder being bisphenol-A. Siloxane-containing resins can be blended to give compositions that have excellent low temperature impact strength and ductility as well as improved chemical resistance. One part (by weight) of a resin containing about 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP and about 20 wt % siloxane could be blended with up to five parts of other polymeric resins. One part (by weight) of a resin containing about 20 mole % 4,4′-DHBP and about 20 wt % siloxane could be blended with up to seven parts of other polymeric resins.

Next, in other embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A, a second dihydroxy chain extender of Formula (A), and a carbonate precursor. More specifically, the dihydroxybenzophenone can be 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (4,4′-DHBP); and the carbonate precursor can be phosgene. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. Two particular monomers are contemplated for the second dihydroxy chain extender: 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl) cyclohexane (DMBPC) and 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3,5-dibromophenyl) propane (tetrabromobisphenol-A). The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the DMBPC. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the TBBPA. Alternatively, the TBBPA is present in an amount such that the resin contains from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of bromine, based on the total weight of the resin.

The resin of 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-A, and DMBPC can be used to make articles or films with improved chemical resistance, flame retardance, and improved scratch resistance. It is also believed that the higher number of abstractable hydrogen atoms in the cyclohexane ring of DMBPC will improve the crosslinking efficiency of the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin. In more particular embodiments, the resin may contain from about 20 mole % to about 60 mole % of repeating units derived from the DMBPC. The resin may contain from about 60 mole % to about 77.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 2.5 mole % to about 20 mole %, or from about 5 mole % to about 10 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

The resin of 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-A, and TBBPA will have high flame retardance, and provide excellent thin wall flame retardance performance. The bromine atoms will provide short flame out times, and the resin will have improved anti-drip properties. In more particular embodiments, the resin may contain from about 1 mole % to about 30 mole % of repeating units derived from the TBBPA, including from about 20 mole % to about 30 mole %. The resin may contain from about 30 mole % to about 96.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 2.5 mole % to about 20 mole %, or from about 5 mole % to about 10 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

One part by (weight) of a resin containing about 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-A, and TBBPA to give about 1 wt % bromine could be used alone or blended with up to three parts of a polycarbonate homopolymer or other polymeric resins to provide excellent flame retardance performance, improved anti-drip properties and high chemical resistance to a molded article.

One part by (weight) of a resin containing about 20 mole % 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-A, and TBBPA to give about 2 wt % bromine could be used alone or blended with up to nine parts of a polycarbonate homopolymer or other polymeric resins to provide excellent flame retardance performance, improved anti-drip properties and high chemical resistance to a molded article.

One part by (weight) of a resin containing about 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-A, and TBBPA to give about 26 wt % bromine could be blended with up to three parts of a polycarbonate homopolymer or other polymeric resins to provide a film or cap layer on an article that has excellent toughness and flame retardance performance.

One part by (weight) of a resin containing about 20 mole % 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-A, and TBBPA to give about 26 wt % bromine could be blended with up to three parts of a polycarbonate homopolymer or other polymeric resins to provide a film or cap layer on an article that has excellent toughness and flame retardance performance.

In some particular embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, bisphenol-A, a second dihydroxy chain extender of Formula (E), and a carbonate precursor. More specifically, the dihydroxybenzophenone can be 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (4,4′-DHBP); the second dihydroxy chain extender can be 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one (PPPBP); and the carbonate precursor can be phosgene. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 94.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy compound of Formula (E).

In more particular embodiments, the resin may contain from about 10 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy compound of Formula (E), including from about 10 mole % to about 40 mole %. The resin may contain from about 30 mole % to about 87.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A. The resin may contain from about 2.5 mole % to about 20 mole %, or from about 5 mole % to about 10 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

The resin containing the dihydroxy compound of Formula (E) has a higher Tg than a polycarbonate homopolymer of equivalent molecular weight, which permits the articles made therefrom to be used in higher temperature applications. This would be beneficial in automotive applications, electrical devices, and applicances.

Next, in some embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a monohydroxybenzophenone, a dihydroxy chain extender, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and a carbonate precursor. More specifically, the monohydroxybenzophenone can be 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP); the dihydroxy chain extender can be a bisphenol of Formula (A), such as bisphenol-A; the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid can be sebacic acid; and the carbonate precursor can be phosgene. The resin may comprise about 0.5 mole % to about 5 mole % endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone. The resin may contain from about 85 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy chain extender. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. FIG. 6 illustrates the formation of an example of this cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from the reaction of 4-HBP, bisphenol-A, sebacic acid, and phosgene. The molar ratio of bisphenol-A to sebacic acid is p:q.

Finally, in some embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin is formed from the reaction of a dihydroxybenzophenone, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-ethane (bisphenol-AP), and a carbonate precursor. More specifically, the monohydroxybenzophenone can be 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP); and the carbonate precursor can be phosgene. The resin may contain from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone, or in more specific embodiments from about 2.5 mole % to about 20 mole %, or from about 5 mole % to about 10 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone. The resin may contain from about 50 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-AP, or in more specific embodiments from about 80 mole % to about 97.5 mole %, or from about 90 mole % to about 95 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-AP. These resins containing bisphenol-AP will have a higher Tg than a bisphenol-A resin, and will have good hydrolytic stability and good color stability. FIG. 7 illustrates the formation of an example of this cross-linkable polycarbonate resin from the reaction of 4,4′-DHBP, bisphenol-AP, phosgene, and t-butylphenol. The molar ratio of bisphenol-AP to 4,4′-DHBP is p:q.

These polycarbonates, prior to cross-linking, can be provided as thermally stable high melt-flow polymers, and can thus be used to fabricate a variety of thin-walled articles (e.g., 3 mm or less). These articles are subsequently exposed to ultraviolet radiation to affect cross-linking. The cross-linked materials, in addition to flame resistance and chemical resistance, may retain or exhibit superior mechanical properties (e.g., impact resistance, ductility) as compared to the polycarbonate resin prior to cross-linking.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of greater than 120° C., 125° C., 130° C., 135° C., 140° C., 145° C., 150° C., 155° C., 160° C., 165° C., 170° C., 175° C., 180° C., 185° C., 190° C., 200° C., 210° C., 220° C., 230° C., 240° C., 250° C., 260° C., 270° C., 280° C., 290° C., or 300° C., as measured using a differential scanning calorimetry method. In certain embodiments, the polycarbonates have glass transition temperatures ranging from about 120° C. to about 230° C., about 140° C. to about 160° C., about 145° C. to about 155° C., about 148° C. to about 152° C., or about 149° C. to about 151° C.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 15,000 to about 80,000 Daltons [±1,000 Daltons], or of 15,000 to about 35,000 Daltons [±1,000 Daltons], or of about 20,000 to about 30,000 Daltons [±1,000 Daltons], or of 17,000 to about 80,000 Daltons. Molecular weight determinations may be performed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), using a cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene column and calibrated to polycarbonate references using a UV-VIS detector set at 264 nm. Samples may be prepared at a concentration of about 1 milligram per milliliter (mg/ml), and eluted at a flow rate of about 1.0 milliliter per minute (ml/min).

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a polydispersity index (PDI) of about 2.0 to about 5.0, about 2.0 to about 3.0, or about 2.0 to about 2.5. The PDI is measured prior to any UV exposure.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a melt flow rate (MFR) of 1 to 110 grams/10 min, 1 to 45 grams/10 min, 6 to 15 grams/10 min, 6 to 8 grams/10 min, 6 to 12 grams/10 min, 2 to 30 grams/10 min, 5 to 30 grams/10 min, 8 to 12 grams/10 min, 8 to 10 grams/10 min, or 20 to 30 grams/10 min, using the ASTM D1238-13 method, 1.2 kg load, 300° C. temperature, 360 second dwell.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a biocontent of 2 wt % to 90 wt %; 5 wt % to 25 wt %; 10 wt % to 30 wt %; 15 wt % to 35 wt %; 20 wt % to 40 wt %; 25 wt % to 45 wt %; 30 wt % to 50 wt %; 35 wt % to 55 wt %; 40 wt % to 60 wt %; 45 wt % to 65 wt %; 55 wt % to 70% wt %; 60 wt % to 75 wt %; 50 wt % to 80 wt %; or 50 wt % to 90 wt %. The biocontent may be measured according to ASTM D6866-10.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a modulus of elasticity of greater than or equal to (≧) 2000 megapascals (MPa), ≧2200 MPa, ≧2310 MPa, ≧2320 MPa, ≧2330 MPa, ≧2340 MPa, ≧2350 MPa, ≧2360 MPa, ≧2370 MPa, ≧2380 MPa, ≧2390 MPa, ≧2400 MPa, ≧2420 MPa, ≧2440 MPa, ≧2460 MPa, ≧2480 MPa, ≧2500 MPa, or ≧2520 MPa as measured by ASTM D790-10 at 1.3 mm/min, 50 mm span.

In embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a flexural modulus of 2,200 to 2,500, preferably 2,250 to 2,450, more preferably 2,300 to 2,400 MPa. In other embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a flexural modulus of 2,300 to 2,600, preferably 2,400 to 2,600, more preferably 2,450 to 2,550 MPa. The flexural modulus is also measured by ASTM D790-10.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength at break of greater than or equal to (≧) 60 megapascals (MPa), ≧61 MPa, ≧62 MPa, ≧63 MPa, ≧64 MPa, ≧65 MPa, ≧66 MPa, ≧67 MPa, ≧68 MPa, ≧69 MPa, ≧70 MPa, ≧71 MPa, ≧72 MPa, ≧73 MPa, ≧74 MPa, ≧75 MPa as measured by ASTM D638-10 Type I at 50 mm/min.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may possess a ductility of greater than or equal to (≧) 60%, ≧65%, ≧70%, ≧75%, ≧80%, ≧85%, ≧90%, ≧95%, or 100% in a notched izod test at −20° C., −15° C., −10° C., 0° C., 5° C., 10° C., 15° C., 20° C., 23° C., 25° C., 30° C., or 35° C. at a thickness of 3.2 mm according to ASTM D256-10.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a notched Izod impact strength (NII) of ≧500 Joules per meter (J/m), ≧550 J/m, ≧600 J/m, ≧650 J/m, ≧700 J/m, ≧750 J/m, ≧800 J/m, ≧850 J/m, ≧900 J/m, ≧950 J/m, or ≧1000 J/m, measured at 23° C. according to ASTM D256-10.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a heat distortion temperature of greater than or equal to 110° C., 111° C., 112° C., 113° C., 114° C., 115° C., 116° C., 117° C., 118° C., 119° C., 120° C., 121° C., 122° C., 123° C., 124° C., 125° C., 126° C., 127° C., 128° C., 129° C., 130° C., 131° C., 132° C., 133° C., 134° C., 135° C., 136° C., 137° C., 138° C., 139° C., 140° C., 141° C., 142° C., 143° C., 144° C., 145° C., 146° C., 147° C., 148° C., 149° C., 150° C., 151° C., 152° C., 153° C., 154° C., 155° C., 156° C., 157° C., 158° C., 159° C., 160, 161° C., 162° C., 163° C., 164° C., 165° C., 166° C., 167° C., 168° C., 169° C., or 170° C., as measured according to ASTM D648-07 at 1.82 MPa, with 3.2 mm thick unannealed mm bar.

The cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure may have a percent haze value of less than or equal to (≦) 10.0%, ≦8.0%, ≦6.0%, ≦5.0%, ≦4.0%, ≦3.0%, ≦2.0%, ≦1.5%, ≦1.0%, or ≦0.5% as measured at a certain thickness according to ASTM D1003-13. The polycarbonate haze may be measured at a 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.54, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, or a 4.0 millimeter thickness. The polycarbonate may be measured at a 0.125 inch thickness.

The polycarbonate may have a light transmittance greater than or equal to (≧) 50%, ≧60%, ≧65%, ≧70%, ≧75%, ≧80%, ≧85%, ≧90%, ≧95%, ≧96%, ≧97%, ≧98%, ≧99%, ≧99.1%, ≧99.2%, ≧99.3%, ≧99.4%, ≧99.5%, ≧99.6%, ≧99.7%, ≧99.8%, or ≧99.9%, as measured at certain thicknesses according to ASTM D1003-13. The polycarbonate transparency may be measured at a 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, or a 4.0 millimeter thickness.

In certain embodiments, the cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure do not include soft block or soft aliphatic segments in the polycarbonate chain. For example, the following aliphatic soft segments that may be excluded from the cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure include aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic polyethers, aliphatic polythioeithers, aliphatic polyacetals, aliphatic polycarbonates, C—C linked polymers and polysiloxanes. The soft segments of aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic polyethers, aliphatic polythioeithers, aliphatic polyacetals, aliphatic polycarbonates may be characterized as having number average molecular weight (Mns) of greater than 600 Daltons.

Processes

An interfacial polycondensation polymerization process for bisphenol-A (BPA) based polycarbonates can be used to prepare the cross-linkable polycarbonates of the present disclosure. Although the reaction conditions for interfacial polymerization can vary, an exemplary process generally involves dissolving or dispersing one or more dihydric phenol reactants (e.g. bisphenol-A) in water, adding the resulting mixture to a water-immiscible solvent medium, and contacting the reactants with a carbonate precursor (e.g. phosgene) in the presence of a catalyst (e.g. triethylamine, TEA) and an acid acceptor such as an alkali metal hydroxide.

Four different processes are disclosed herein for producing some embodiments of the photoactive additive which contain carbonate linkages. Each process includes the following ingredients: one or more dihydroxy chain extenders, an end-capping agent, a carbonate precursor, a base, a tertiary amine catalyst, water, and a water-immiscible organic solvent. It should be noted that more than one of each ingredient can be used to produce the crosslinkable polycarbonates. Some information on each ingredient is first provided below.

A hydroxybenzophenone is present as the photoactive moiety, and can be present either as the end-capping agent (i.e. monohydroxybenzophenone) or as a diol (i.e. dihydroxybenzophenone). In the process descriptions below, reference will be made to dihydroxy compounds, which should be construed as including the dihydroxy chain extender and a dihydroxybenzophenone monomer. Reference will also be made to the end-capping agent, which should be construed as including a monohydroxybenzophenone.

The dihydroxy chain extender may have the structure of any one of Formulas (A)-(H) or (1)-(2), and include monomers such as bisphenol-A.

Examples of end-capping agents (other than the monohydroxybenzophenone) include phenol, p-cumylphenol (PCP), p-tert-butylphenol, octylphenol, and p-cyanophenol.

The first linker moiety may be, for example, a carbonyl halide such as carbonyl dibromide or carbonyl dichloride (also known as phosgene), or a haloformate such as a bishaloformate of a dihydric phenol (e.g., the bischloroformate of bisphenol-A, hydroquinone, or the like) or a glycol (e.g., the bishaloformate of ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, polyethylene glycol, or the like). Combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing types of carbonate precursors can also be used. In certain embodiments, the carbonate precursor is phosgene, a triphosgene, diacyl halide, dihaloformate, dicyanate, diester, diepoxy, diarylcarbonate, dianhydride, diacid chloride, or any combination thereof. An interfacial polymerization reaction to form carbonate linkages may use phosgene as a carbonate precursor, and is referred to as a phosgenation reaction. The compounds of Formulas (3) or (4) are carbonate precursors.

The base is used for the regulation of the pH of the reaction mixture. In particular embodiments, the base is an alkali metal hydroxide, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH).

A tertiary amine catalyst is used for polymerization. Exemplary tertiary amine catalysts that can be used are aliphatic tertiary amines such as triethylamine (TEA)), N-ethylpiperidine, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), tributylamine, cycloaliphatic amines such as N,N-diethyl-cyclohexylamine and aromatic tertiary amines such as N,N-dimethylaniline.

Sometimes, a phase transfer catalyst is also used. Among the phase transfer catalysts that can be used are catalysts of the formula (R³⁰)₄Q⁺X, wherein each R³⁰ is the same or different, and is a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group; Q is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom; and X is a halogen atom, C₁-C₈ alkoxy group, or C₆-C₁₈ aryloxy group. Exemplary phase transfer catalysts include, for example, [CH₃(CH₂)₃]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₃]₄PX, [CH₃(CH₂)₅]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₆]₄NX, [CH₃(CH₂)₄]₄NX, CH₃[CH₃(CH₂)₃]₃NX, and CH₃[CH₃(CH₂)₂]₃NX, wherein X is Cl⁻, Br⁻, a C₁-C₈ alkoxy group or a C₆-C₁₈ aryloxy group, such as methyltributylammonium chloride.

The most commonly used water-immiscible solvents include methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, toluene, and the like.

In the first process, sometimes referred to as the “upfront” process, the diol(s), end-capping agent, catalyst, water, and water-immiscible solvent are combined upfront in a vessel to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture is then exposed to the first linker moiety, for example by phosgenation, while the base is co-added to regulate the pH, to obtain the photoactive additive.

The pH of the reaction mixture is usually from about 8.5 to about 10, and can be maintained by using a basic solution (e.g. aqueous NaOH). The reaction mixture is then charged with the carbonate precursor, which is usually phosgene. The carbonate precursor is added to the reaction mixture over a period of about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes. While the carbonate precursor is being added, the pH is also maintained in the range of about 8.5 to about 10, again by addition of a basic solution as needed. The cross-linkable polycarbonate is thus obtained, and is then isolated from the reaction mixture.

In the second process, also known as the “solution addition” process, the diol(s), tertiary amine catalyst, water, and water-immiscible solvent are combined in a vessel to form a reaction mixture. The total charge of the first linker moiety is then added to this reaction mixture in the vessel over a total time period, while the base is co-added to regulate the pH. The first linker moiety is first added to the reaction mixture along with the base to regulate the pH for a first time period. After the first time period ends, the end-capping agent is added in a controlled manner to the reaction mixture, also referred to as programmed addition. The addition of the end-capping agent occurs for a second time period after the first time period, rather than as a bolus at the beginning of the reaction (as in the upfront process). The first linker moiety and the base are also added concurrently with the end-capping agent during the second time period. After the second time period ends, the remainder of the first linker moiety continues uninterrupted for a third time period until the total charge is reached. The base is also co-added during the third time period to regulate the reaction pH. The pH of the reaction mixture is usually from about 8.5 to about 10, and can be maintained by using a basic solution (e.g. aqueous NaOH, made from the base). The end-capping agent is not added during either the first time period or the third time period. The photoactive additive is thus obtained. The main difference between the first and second processes is in the addition of the end-capping agent over time.

In the second process, the first linker moiety is added to the reaction mixture over a total time period, which may be for example from about 15 minutes to about 45 minutes. The total time period is the duration needed to add the total charge of the first linker moiety (measured either by weight or by moles) to the reaction mixture. It is contemplated that the first linker moiety is added at a constant rate over the total time period. The first linker moiety is first added to the reaction mixture along with the base to regulate the pH for a first time period, ranging from about 2 minutes to about 20 minutes. Then, during a second time period, the end-capping agent is added to the reaction mixture concurrently with the first linker moiety and the base. It is contemplated that the end-capping agent is added at a constant rate during this second time period, which can range from about 1 minute to about 5 minutes. After the second time period ends, the remaining first linker moiety is charged to the reaction mixture for a third time period, along with the base to regulate the reaction pH. The cross-linkable polycarbonate is thus obtained, and is then isolated from the reaction mixture.

The total time period for the reaction is the sum of the first time period, the second time period, and the third time period. In particular embodiments, the second time period in which the solution containing the end-capping agent is added to the reaction mixture begins at a point between 10% to about 40% of the total time period. Put another way, the first time period is 10% of the total time period.

For example, if 2400 grams of phosgene were to be added to a reaction mixture at a rate of 80 g/min, and 500 ml of a PCP solution were to be added to the reaction mixture at a rate of 500 ml/min after an initial charge of 240 grams of phosgene, then the total time period would be 30 minutes, the first time period would be three minutes, the second time period would be one minute, and the third period would be 26 minutes.

The third process is also referred to as a bis-chloroformate or chlorofomate (BCF) process. Chloroformate oligomers are prepared by reacting a carbonate precursor, specifically phosgene, with the diol(s) in the absence of the tertiary amine catalyst, while the base is co-added to regulate the pH. The chloroformate oligomers can contain a mixture of monochloroformates, bischloroformates, and bisphenol terminated oligomers. After the chloroformate oligomers are generated, the phosgene can optionally be allowed to substantially condense or hydrolyze, then the end-capping agent is added to the chloroformate mixture. The reaction is allowed to proceed, and the tertiary amine catalyst is added to complete the reaction. The pH of the reaction mixture is usually from about 8.5 to about 10 prior to the addition of the phosgene. During the addition of the phosgene, the pH is maintained between about 6 and about 8, by using a basic solution (e.g. aqueous NaOH).

The fourth process uses a tubular reactor. In the tubular reactor, the end-capping agent is pre-reacted with a carbonate precursor (specifically phosgene) to form chloroformates. The water-immiscible solvent is used as a solvent in the tubular reactor. In a separate reactor, the diol(s), tertiary amine catalyst, water, and water-immiscible solvent are combined to form a reaction mixture. The chloroformates in the tubular reactor are then fed into the reactor over a first time period along with additional carbonate precursor to complete the reaction while the base is co-added to regulate the pH. During the addition of the chloroformates, the pH is maintained between about 8.5 and about 10, by using a basic solution (e.g. aqueous NaOH).

The resulting cross-linkable polycarbonate formed by any of these processes contains only a small amount of low-molecular-weight components. This can be measured in two different ways: the level of diarylcarbonates (DAC) and the lows percentage can be measured. Diarylcarbonates are formed by the reaction of two end-capping agents with phosgene, creating a small molecule. In embodiments, the resulting photoactive additive contains less than 1000 ppm of diarylcarbonates. The lows percentage is the percentage by weight of oligomeric chains having a molecular weight of less than 1000. In embodiments, the lows percentage is 2.0 wt % or less, including from about 1.0 wt % to 2.0 wt %. The DAC level and the lows percentage can be measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Also of note is that the resulting photoactive additive does not contain any residual pyridine, because pyridine is not used in the manufacture of the photoactive additive.

Blends with Second Polymer Resin

The photoactive additive can be blended with a polymeric base resin that is different from the photoactive additive, i.e. a second polymer resin, to form polymeric compositions/blends. More specifically, the second polymer resin does not contain photoactive groups. In embodiments, the weight ratio of the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin to the polymeric base resin is from 1:99 to 99:1. When the additive contains a monohydroxybenzophenone, the weight ratio of the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin to the polymeric base resin may be from about 50:50 to about 95:5. When the additive contains a dihydroxybenzophenone, the weight ratio of the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin to the polymeric base resin may be from about 10:90 to about 85:15, or from about 25:75 to about 50:50. The polymeric base resin has, in specific embodiments, a weight-average molecular weight of about 21,000 or greater, including from about 21,000 to about 40,000.

The cross-linkable polycarbonate resins are suitable for blending with polycarbonate homopolymers, polycarbonate copolymers, and polycarbonate blends. They are also suitable for blending with polyesters, polyarylates, polyestercarbonates, and polyetherimides.

The blends may comprise one or more distinct cross-linkable polycarbonates, as described herein, and/or one or more cross-linked polycarbonate(s). The blends also comprise one or more additional polymers. The blends may comprise additional components, such as one or more additives. In certain embodiments, a blend comprises a cross-linkable and/or cross-linked polycarbonate (Polymer A) and a second polymer (Polymer B), and optionally one or more additives. In another embodiment, a blend comprises a combination of a cross-linkable and/or cross-linked polycarbonate (Polymer A); and a second polycarbonate (Polymer B), wherein the second polycarbonate is different from the first polycarbonate.

The second polymer (Polymer B) may be any polymer different from the first polymer that is suitable for use in a blend composition. In certain embodiments, the second polymer may be a polyester, a polyestercarbonate, a bisphenol-A homopolycarbonate, a polycarbonate copolymer, a tetrabromobisphenol-A polycarbonate copolymer, a polysiloxane-co-bisphenol-A polycarbonate, a polyesteramide, a polyimide, a polyetherimide, a polyamideimide, a polyether, a polyethersulfone, a polyepoxide, a polylactide, a polylactic acid (PLA), or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments, the polymeric base resin may be a vinyl polymer, a rubber-modified graft copolymer, an acrylic polymer, polyacrylonitrile, a polystyrene, a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyesteramide, a polysiloxane, a polyurethane, a polyamide, a polyamideimide, a polysulfone, a polyepoxide, a polyether, a polyimide, a polyetherimide, a polyphenylene ether, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyether ketone, a polyether ether ketone, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, an acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA) resin, a polyethersulfone, a polyphenylsulfone, a poly(alkenylaromatic) polymer, a polybutadiene, a polyacetal, a polycarbonate, a polyphenylene ether, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyvinyl acetate, a liquid crystal polymer, an ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, an aromatic polyester, a polyvinyl fluoride, a polyvinylidene fluoride, a polyvinylidene chloride, tetrafluoroethylene, a polylactide, a polylactic acid (PLA), a polycarbonate-polyorganosiloxane block copolymer, or a copolymer comprising: (i) an aromatic ester, (ii) an estercarbonate, and (iii) carbonate repeat units. The blend composition may comprise additional polymers (e.g. a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc., polymer).

In certain embodiments, the polymeric base resin may be a homopolycarbonate, a copolycarbonate, a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, a polyester-polycarbonate, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the polymeric base resin is a p-cumyl phenol capped poly(isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester)-co-(bisphenol-A carbonate) copolymer. In certain embodiments, the polymeric base resin is a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer.

The p-cumyl phenol capped poly(isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester)-co-(bisphenol-A carbonate) polymer or a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer may have a polysiloxane content from 0.4 wt % to 25 wt %. In one preferred embodiment, the polymeric base resin is a p-cumylphenol capped poly(19 mole % isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester)-co-(75 mole % bisphenol-A carbonate)-co-(6 mole % resorcinol carbonate) copolymer (Mw=29,000 Daltons). In another preferred embodiment, the polymeric base resin is a p-cumylphenol capped poly(10 wt % isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester)-co-(87 wt % bisphenol-A carbonate)-co-(3 mole % resorcinol carbonate) copolymer (Mw=29,000 Daltons).

In another preferred embodiment, the polymeric base resin is a polycarbonate polysiloxane copolymer. The polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer may be a siloxane block co-polycarbonate comprising from about 4 wt % siloxane (±10%) to about 25 wt % siloxane (±10%) and having a siloxane chain length of 10 to 200. In another preferred embodiment, the polymeric base resin is a PC-siloxane copolymer with 20% siloxane segments by weight.

In another preferred embodiment, the polymeric base resin is a p-cumylphenol capped poly(65 mole % BPA carbonate)-co-(35 mole % 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one (PPPBP) carbonate) copolymer (Mw=25,000 Daltons).

In another preferred embodiment, the polymeric base resin is a polyphosphonate polymer, a polyphosphonate copolymer, or a poly(polyphosphonate)-co-(BPA carbonate) copolymer.

In yet other embodiments, the polymer resin in the blend is selected from the group consisting of a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer; a polycarbonate resin having an aliphatic chain containing at least two carbon atoms as a repeating unit in the polymer backbone; a copolyester polymer; a bisphenol-A homopolycarbonate; a polystyrene polymer; a poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer; a thermoplastic polyester; a polybutylene terephthalate polymer; a methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer; an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer; a dimethyl bisphenol cyclohexane-co-bisphenol-A copolymer; a polyetherimide; a polyethersulfone; and a copolycarbonate of bisphenol-A and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane) (BPTMC).

In particular embodiments, the polymer resin in the blend is a polycarbonate-polysiloxane (PC—Si) copolymer. The polycarbonate units of the copolymer are derived from dihydroxy compounds having the structures of any of the formulas described above, but particularly those of the chain extenders of Formulas (A) and (B). Some illustrative examples of suitable dihydroxy compounds include the following: 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) methane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (hereinafter “bisphenol-A” or “BPA”), 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-1-methylphenyl) propane, and 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-t-butylphenyl) propane; resorcinol, substituted resorcinol compounds such as 5-methyl resorcinol, 5-phenyl resorcinol, or 5-cumyl resorcinol; catechol; hydroquinone; and substituted hydroquinones such as 2-methyl hydroquinone, 2-t-butyl hydroquinone, 2-phenyl hydroquinone, 2-cumyl hydroquinone, or 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl hydroquinone. Bisphenol-A is often part of the PC—Si copolymer.

The polymer resin (polymer B) in the blend can be a polycarbonate resin having an aliphatic chain containing at least two carbon atoms as a repeating unit in the polymer backbone. This resin can also be considered a “soft segment polycarbonate” (SSP) resin. Generally speaking, the SSP resin is a copolymer of an aromatic difunctional compound and an aliphatic difunctional compound. The aromatic difunctional compound may have the structure of, for example, any of Formulas (A)-(H), previously described as chain extenders above. In specific embodiments, the aromatic difunctional compound is a bisphenol of Formula (A). The aliphatic difunctional compound provides a long aliphatic chain in the backbone and may have the structure of Formula (E). Exemplary aliphatic diols that are useful in SSP resins include adipic acid (n=4), sebacic acid (n=8), and dodecanedioic acid (n=10). The SSP resin can be formed, for example by the phosgenation of bisphenol-A, sebacic acid, and p-cumyl phenol. The SSP resin contains carbonate linkages and ester linkages.

In this regard, it is believed that the cross-linking reaction rate of the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin and its yield are directly related to the hydrogen-to-ketone ratio of the polymeric blend. Thus, the higher the hydrogen-to-ketone ratio of the blend, the higher the rate of chain-extension reaction/crosslinking should be. Due to the presence of the hydrogen-rich SSP resin with its aliphatic blocks, the hydrogen-to-ketone ratio is relatively high. As a result, the crosslinking density and the resulting flame retardance and chemical resistance should be very good for this blend. In addition, the SSP resin has very good flow properties. It is believed that the blend should also have good flow, and should also retain its ductile properties even after crosslinking.

The polymer resin (polymer B) in the blend can be a bisphenol-A homopolycarbonate. Such resins are available, for example as LEXAN™ from SABIC Innovative Plastics.

The polymer resin (polymer B) in the blend can be a polystyrene polymer. Such polymers contain only polystyrene monomers. Thus, for example ABS and MBS should not be considered polystyrene polymers.

The polymer resin (polymer B) in the blend can be a thermoplastic polyester. An exemplary polyester is PCTG, which is a copolymer derived from the reaction of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The PCTG copolymer can contain 40-90 mole % CHDM, with the terephthalic acid and the ethylene glycol making up the remaining 10-60 mole %.

The polymer resin (polymer B) in the blend can be a dimethyl bisphenol cyclohexane-co-bisphenol-A copolymer, i.e. a DMBPC-BPA copolymer. The DMBPC is usually from 20 mole % to 90 mole % of the copolymer, including 25 mole % to 60 mole %. The BPA is usually from 10 mole % to 80 mole % of the copolymer, including 40 mole % to 75 mole %. These resins have high scratch resistance.

Other Additives

Other conventional additives can also be added to the polymeric composition (e.g. an impact modifier, UV stabilizer, colorant, flame retardant, heat stabilizer, plasticizer, lubricant, mold release agent, filler, reinforcing agent, antioxidant agent, antistatic agent, blowing agent, or radiation stabilizer).

In preferred embodiments, the blend compositions disclosed herein comprise a flame-retardant, a flame retardant additive, and/or an impact modifier. The flame-retardant may be potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (Rimar salt), potassium diphenyl sulfone-3-sulfonate (KSS), or a combination thereof.

Various types of flame retardants can be utilized as additives. This includes flame retardant salts such as alkali metal salts of perfluorinated C₁-C₁₆ alkyl sulfonates such as potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (Rimar salt), potassium perfluoroctane sulfonate, tetraethylammonium perfluorohexane sulfonate, potassium diphenylsulfone sulfonate (KSS), and the like, sodium benzene sulfonate, sodium toluene sulfonate (NATS) and the like. Rimar salt and KSS and NATS, alone or in combination with other flame retardants, are particularly useful in the compositions disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the flame retardant does not contain bromine or chlorine, i.e. is non-halogenated. Another useful class of flame retardant is the class of cyclic siloxanes having the general formula [(R)₂SiO]_(y) wherein R is a monovalent hydrocarbon or fluorinated hydrocarbon having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and y is a number from 3 to 12. A particularly useful cyclic siloxane is octaphenylcyclotetrasiloxane.

Exemplary heat stabilizer additives include, for example, organophosphites such as triphenyl phosphite, tris-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)phosphite, tris-(mixed mono- and di-nonylphenyl)phosphite or the like; phosphonates such as dimethylbenzene phosphonate or the like; phosphates such as trimethyl phosphate, or the like; or combinations thereof. Heat stabilizers are generally used in amounts of 0.0001 to 1 part by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer component of the polymeric blend/composition.

Mold release agent (MRA) will allow the material to be removed quickly and effectively. Mold releases can reduce cycle times, defects, and browning of finished product. Exemplary MRAs include phthalic acid esters; di- or polyfunctional aromatic phosphates such as resorcinol tetraphenyl diphosphate (RDP), the bis(diphenyl) phosphate of hydroquinone and the bis(diphenyl) phosphate of bisphenol-A; pentaerythritol tetrastearate (PETS), and the like. Such materials are generally used in amounts of 0.001 to 1 part by weight, specifically 0.01 to 0.75 part by weight, more specifically 0.1 to 0.5 part by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer component of the polymeric blend/composition.

In particular embodiments, the polymeric blend/composition includes the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin, an optional polymeric base resin, and a flame retardant which is Rimar salt and which is present in an amount of about 0.05 wt % to about 0.085 wt %, based on the total weight of the composition; and a plaque comprising the polymeric composition has a transparency of 70 to 90% at a thickness of 3.2 mm, measured according to ASTM D1003-13.

In other particular embodiments, the polymeric blend/composition includes the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin, an optional polymeric base resin, a flame retardant; a heat stabilizer, and a mold release agent.

The additives, when used, can improve various properties of the final article. Increased chemical resistance may be found against 409 Glass and Surface Cleaner; Alcohol Prep Pad; CaviCide liquid/CaviWipes; CaviWipes; Cidex Plus liquid; Clorox Bleach; Clorox Wipes; Envirocide liquid; ForPro liquid; Gentle dish soap and water; Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes; Isopropyl Alcohol wipes; MadaCide-1 liquid; Mar-V-Cide liquid to dilute; Sani-Cloth Bleach Wipes; Sani-Cloth HB Wipes; Sani-Cloth Plus Wipes; Sodium Hypochlorite liquid; Super Sani-Cloth Wipes; Viraguard liquid and Wipes; Virex 256; Windex Blue; Fuel C; Toluene; Heptane; Ethanol; Isopropanol; Windex; Engine oil; WD40; Transmission fluid; Break fluid; Glass wash; Diesel; Gasoline; Banana Boat Sunscreen (SPF 30); Sebum; Ivory Dish Soap; SC Johnson Fantastik Cleaner; French's Yellow Mustard; Coca-Cola; 70% Isopropyl Alcohol; Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Vaseline Intensive Care Hand Lotion; Heinz Ketchup; Kraft Mayonnaise; Chlorox Formula 409 Cleaner; SC Johnson Windex Cleaner with Ammonia; Acetone; Artificial Sweat; Fruits & Passion Cucina Coriander & Olive Hand Cream; Loreal Studioline Megagel Hair Gel; Maybelline Lip Polish; Maybelline Expert Wear Blush—Beach Plum Rouge; Purell Hand Sanitizer; Hot coffee, black; iKlear; Chlorox Wipes; Squalene; Palmitic Acid; Oleic Acid; Palmitoleic Acid; Stearic Acid; and Olive Oil.

Articles

The compositions/blends can be molded into useful shaped articles by a variety of means such as injection molding, overmolding, co-injection molding, extrusion, multilayer extrusion, rotational molding, blow molding and thermoforming to form articles. This includes thin-walled articles, including highly transparent thin-walled articles. The formed articles may be subsequently subjected to cross-linking conditions (e.g., UV-radiation) to affect cross-linking of the polycarbonates. Exemplary articles include a film, a sheet, a layer of a multilayer film, or a layer of a multilayer sheet.

Articles that may be formed from the compositions/blends include various components for cell phones and cell phone covers, components for computer housings (e.g. mouse covers), fibers, computer housings and business machine housings and parts such as housings and parts for monitors, computer routers, copiers, desk top printers, large office/industrial printers handheld electronic device housings such as computer or business machine housings, housings for hand-held devices, components for light fixtures or home or office appliances, humidifier housings, thermostat control housings aft conditioner drain pans, outdoor cabinets, telecom enclosures and infrastructure, Simple Network Intrusion Detection System (SNIDS) devices, network interface devices, smoke detectors, components and devices in plenum spaces, components for medical applications or devices such as medical scanners, X-ray equipment, and ultrasound devices, components for interior or exterior components of an automobile, lenses (auto and non-auto) such as components for film applications, greenhouse components, sun room components, fire helmets, safety shields, safety goggles, glasses with impact resistance, fendors, gas pumps, films for televisions, such as ecofriendly films having no halogen content, solar application materials, glass lamination materials, fibers for glass-filled systems, hand held electronic device enclosures or parts (e.g. walkie-talkie, scanner, media/MP3/MP4 player, radio, GPS system, ebook, tablet), wearable electronic devices (e.g. smart watch, training/tracking device, activity/sleep monitoring system, wristband, or glasses), hand held tool enclosures or parts, smart phone enclosures or parts, turbine blades (e.g., wind turbines), and the like.

In certain embodiments, articles that may comprise the composition/blend include automotive bumpers, other automotive, construction and agricultural equipment exterior components, automobile mirror housings, an automobile grille, an automobile pillar, automobile wheel covers, automobile, construction and agricultural equipment instrument panels and trim, construction and agricultural grilles, automobile glove boxes, automobile door hardware and other interior trim, automobile construction and agricultural equipment exterior lights, automobile parts within the engine compartment, plumbing equipment, valves and pumps, air conditioning heating and cooling parts, furnace and heat pump parts, computer parts, electronics parts, projector parts, electronic display parts, copier parts, scanner parts, electronic printer toner cartridges, hair driers, irons, coffee makers, toasters, washing machines, microwaves, ovens, power tools, electric components, lighting parts, dental instruments and equipment, medical instruments, cookware, medical instrument trays, animal cages, fibers, laser welded medical devices, hand held electronic device enclosures or parts (e.g. walkie-talkie, scanner, media/MP3/MP4 player, radio, GPS system, ebook, tablet), wearable electronic devices (e.g. smart watch, training/tracking device, activity/sleep monitoring system, wristband, or glasses), hand held tool enclosures or parts, smart phone enclosures or parts, and fiber optics.

In certain embodiments, articles that may comprise the composition/blend include automotive bumpers, other automotive exterior components, automobile mirror housings, an automobile grille, an automobile pillar, automobile wheel covers, automobile instrument panels and trim, automobile glove boxes, automobile door hardware and other interior trim, external automobile trim parts, such as pillars, automobile exterior lights, automobile parts within the engine compartment, an agricultural tractor or device part, a construction equipment vehicle or device part, a construction or agricultural equipment grille, a marine or personal water craft part, an all terrain vehicle or all terrain vehicle part, plumbing equipment, valves and pumps, air conditioning heating and cooling parts, furnace and heat pump parts, computer parts, electronics parts, projector parts, electronic display parts, copier parts, scanner parts, electronic printer toner cartridges, hair driers, irons, coffee makers, toasters, washing machines, microwaves, ovens, power tools, electric components, electric enclosures, lighting parts, dental instruments, medical instruments, medical or dental lighting parts, an aircraft part, a train or rail part, a seating component, sidewalls, ceiling parts, cookware, medical instrument trays, animal cages, fibers, laser welded medical devices, fiber optics, lenses (auto and non-auto), cell phone parts, greenhouse components, sun room components, fire helmets, safety shields, safety glasses, gas pump parts, hand held electronic device enclosures or parts (e.g. walkie-talkie, scanner, media/MP3/MP4 player, radio, GPS system, ebook, tablet), wearable electronic devices (e.g. smart watch, training/tracking device, activity/sleep monitoring system, wristband, or glasses), hand held tool enclosures or parts, smart phone enclosures or parts, and turbine blades.

In certain embodiments, the article is one that requires or must include a material having a UL94 5VA rating performance. Articles that require a UL94 5VA rating include, but are not limited to, computer housings, computer housings and business machine housings and parts such as housings and parts for monitors, computer routers, copiers, desk top printers, large office/industrial printers, handheld electronic device housings such as computer or business machine housings, housings for hand-held devices, components for light fixtures including LED fixtures or home or office appliances, humidifier housings, thermostat control housings, air conditioner drain pans, outdoor cabinets, telecom enclosures and infrastructure, Simple Network Intrusion Detection System (SNIDS) devices, network interface devices, smoke detectors, components and devices in plenum spaces, components for medical applications or devices such as medical scanners, X-ray equipment, and ultrasound devices, electrical boxes and enclosures, and electrical connectors.

In certain embodiments, the article is one that requires hydrothermal stability, such as a wind turbine blade, a steam sterilizable medical device, a food service tray, utensiles and equipment.

In certain embodiments, the article is one that requires a combination of transparency, flame resistance, and/or impact resistance. For example, in certain embodiments the article may be a safety shield, safety goggles, a gas/fuel pump housing, a display window or part, or the like.

Ultraviolet Irradiation

After forming the article, the article can then be exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light at an appropriate wavelength and dosage to bring about the desired amount of crosslinking for the given application. The UV exposure can be performed on one or more surfaces of the article.

The article should be exposed with a substantially uniform dose of UV light. The exposure can be accomplished using standard methods. The UV light can come from any source of UV light such as mercury vapor, High-Intensity Discharge (HID), or various UV lamps. The exposure time can range from a few minutes to several days. Examples of UV-emitting light bulbs include mercury bulbs (H bulbs), or metal halide doped mercury bulbs (D bulbs, H+ bulbs, and V bulbs). Other combinations of metal halides to create a UV light source are also contemplated. A mercury arc lamp is not used for irradiation. An H bulb has strong output in the range of 200 nm to 320 nm. The D bulb has strong output in the 320 nm to 400 nm range. The V bulb has strong output in the 400 nm to 420 nm range. It may also be advantageous to use a UV light source where the harmful wavelengths are removed or not present, using filters.

It may also be advantageous to use a UV light source where the harmful wavelengths (those that cause polymer degradation or excessive yellowing) are removed or not present. Equipment suppliers such as Heraeus Noblelight and Fusion UV provide lamps with various spectral distributions. The light can also be filtered to remove harmful or unwanted wavelengths of light. This can be done with optical filters that are used to selectively transmit or reject a wavelength or range of wavelengths. These filters are commercially available from a variety of companies such as Edmund Optics or Praezisions Glas & Optik GmbH. Bandpass filters are designed to transmit a portion of the spectrum, while rejecting all other wavelengths. Longpass edge filters are designed to transmit wavelengths greater than the cut-on wavelength of the filter. Shortpass edge filters are used to transmit wavelengths shorter than the cut-off wavelength of the filter. Various types of materials, such as borosilicate glass, can be used as a long pass filter. Schott and/or Praezisions Glas & Optik GmbH for example have the following long pass filters: WG225, WG280, WG295, WG305, WG320 which have cut-on wavelengths of ˜225, 280, 295, 305, and 320 nm, respectively. These filters can be used to screen out the harmful short wavelengths while transmitting the appropriate wavelengths for the crosslinking reaction.

In particular embodiments, the polycarbonates are exposed to a selected UV light range having wavelengths from about 280 nanometers (nm) to about 380 nm, or from about 330 nm to about 380 nm, or from about 280 nm to about 360 nm, or from about 330 nm to about 360 nm. The wavelengths in a “selected” light range have an internal transmittance of greater than 50%, with wavelengths outside of the range having an internal transmittance of less than 50%. The change in transmittance may occur over a range of 20 nm. Reference to a selected light range should not be construed as saying that all wavelengths within the range transmit at 100%, or that all wavelengths outside the range transmit at 0%.

In some embodiments, the UV radiation is filtered to provide exposure to UVA radiation with no detectable UVC radiation, as measured using an EIT PowerPuck. The effective dosage can range from at least 2 Joules per square centimeter (J/cm²) of UVA radiation up to about 60 J/cm² of UVA radiation. In more specific embodiments, the UV radiation is filtered to provide an effective dosage of at least 3 J/cm², or at least 12 J/cm², or at least 21 J/cm², or at least 36 J/cm² of UVA radiation, with no detectable UVC radiation, as measured using an EIT PowerPuck. In particular embodiments, the polycarbonates are exposed to a dosage of about 21 J/cm² to about 60 J/cm² of UVA radiation, or in more particular embodiments a dosage of about 21 J/cm² to about 36 J/cm² of UVA radiation.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the polymers, compositions/blends, articles, processes, and properties of the present disclosure. The examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the disclosure to the materials, conditions, or process parameters set forth therein.

EXAMPLES

All solvents and reagents used were analytical grade.

Molecular weight determinations were performed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Gel permeation chromatography using polycarbonate standards were run on the eluted fraction.

The presence of chloroformate was determined by placing approximately 1 mL of reactor organic phase onto paper tape that is impregnated with 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine. A yellow to orange color change indicated the presence of chloroformate groups.

The presence of unreacted bisphenol-A (BPA) in reactor samples was determined by the following method. 2 mL of reactor sample organic phase was diluted in 5 mL dichloromethane. To the solution was added 5 mL dilute ammonium hydroxide and the mixture was shaken vigorously for 30 seconds. To the mixture was added 10 mL of 1% aqueous potassium ferricyanide and the mixture shaken vigorously for 30 seconds. To the mixture was added 5 mL of 1% aqueous 4-aminoantipyrine and the mixture shaken vigorously for 30 seconds. A yellow color indicated an acceptable low amount of residual BPA. An orange to red color indicated an unacceptable high amount of residual BPA.

(A) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Sebacic Acid (6 Mole %), Bisphenol-A, and 4-Hydroxybenzophenone (5 Mole %)

A solution of 4-hydroxybenzophenone (210 grams, 1.1 moles, 5.1 mole %) was prepared in 4 liters of dichloromethane. The solution was placed in an addition pot connected to the reactor via a dosing pump.

Sebacic acid (245 grams, 1.2 moles, 6.1 mole %) was dissolved in 2 liters of water with 33 wt % sodium hydroxide solution (330 grams, 2.7 moles).

Dichloromethane (15 L), deionized water (8 L), bisphenol-A (4255 grams, 18.6 moles), the sebacic acid solution, triethylamine (36 grams, 0.36 mole), and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger) were added to the formulation tank and stirred for 5 minutes, then were transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe and various material addition nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 g/min flow rate) by the DCS and an initial amount (270 grams, 2.7 moles) was added. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 7.5 by DCS controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH.

After addition of the initial amount of phosgene, the 4-HBP solution was added to the reactor at 500 mL/min flow rate by DCS control while phosgene flow to the reactor continued. Phosgene addition continued until an additional amount was added (1085 grams, 11.0 moles) at which point the reaction pH set point was ramped up to 10.3 over the course of 4 minutes with continued addition of phosgene. Phosgene addition continued until a total set point was reached (2700 grams, 27.2 moles).

After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of un-reacted BPA and free of chloroformate. Quantitative incorporation of sebacic acid was confirmed by observing no visible precipitate when a sample of filtered reaction aqueous phase was treated with 2 N HCl until the pH was 1.

An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 moles) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen, then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with DI water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 ppm each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The resin was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (185 F). Powder yield 2994 grams (g).

(B) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Sebacic Acid (6 Mole %), Bisphenol-A, and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (5 Mole %)

Sebacic acid (245 grams, 1.2 moles, 6.1 mole %) was dissolved in 2 liters of water with 33 wt % sodium hydroxide solution (330 grams, 2.7 moles).

To the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (15 L), DI water (8 L), bisphenol-A (4035 grams, 17.7 moles), 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (220 grams, 1.0 mole, 5.2 mole %), the sebacic acid solution, p-cumylphenol (175 grams, 0.82 mole, 4.0 mole %), triethylamine (36 grams, 0.36 mole) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, then transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe, and various material additional nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 g/L flow rate) by the DCS and an initial amount (270 grams, 2.7 moles) was added. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 7.5 by DCS controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH.

After addition of approximately half of the phosgene (1355 grams, 13.7 moles) the reaction pH set point was ramped up to 10.3 over the course of 4 minutes with continued addition of phosgene. Phosgene addition continued until a total set point was reached (2700 grams, 27.2 moles).

After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of un-reacted BPA and free of chloroformate. Quantitative incorporation of sebacic acid was confirmed by observing no visible precipitate when a sample of filtered reaction aqueous phase was treated with 2 N HCl until the pH was 1. Mw of a reaction sample was determined by GPC using UV detector (Mw=23352, PDI=2.5). An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 moles) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen, then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with DI water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 parts per million (ppm) each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The resin was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (185 F). Powder yield 3266 g. Mw=22935 Daltons, PDI=2.5.

(C) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, Sebacic Acid (6 Mole %), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (10 Mole %)

The polymer (C) was prepared in the same manner as polymer (B), but with the following differences. First, to the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (15 L), DI water (8 L), bisphenol-A (3825 grams, 16.8 moles), 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (430 grams, 2.0 moles, 10.1 mole %), the sebacic acid solution, p-cumylphenol (175 grams, 0.82 moles, 4.0 mole %), triethylamine (36 grams, 0.36 mole), and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). Next, the Mw of the reaction sample was Mw=23866, PDI=2.3. Last, the final powder yield was 3493 grams. Mw=23105 Daltons, PDI=2.4.

(D) Preparation of Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A and DMBPC (50 Mole %) (Control)

A solution of p-cumylphenol (150 grams, 0.71 moles, 3.9 mole %) was prepared in 500 mL of dichloromethane. The p-cumylphenol (PCP) solution was placed in an addition pot connected to the reactor via a dosing pump.

To the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (11 L), DI water (12 L), bisphenol-A (1950 grams, 8.5 moles), DMBPC (2550 grams, 8.7 moles, 50.3 mole %), triethylamine (35 grams, 0.35 moles), and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, then transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe, and various material addition nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 g/min flow rate) by DCS and an initial amount (250 grams, 2.5 moles) was added. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 10.0 by DCS-controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH.

After addition of the initial amount of phosgene, the PCP solution was added to the reactor at 500 mL/min flow rate by DCS control while phosgene flow to the reactor continued. Phosgene addition continued until the total set point was reached (2500 grams, 25.3 moles). After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of un-reacted BPA and free of chloroformate. Mw of a reaction sample was determined by GPC using a UV detector (Mw=24034 Daltons, PDI=3.2). An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 mole) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with deionized water (DI) water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 ppm each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The resin was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (210 F). Powder yield 3175 grams. Mw=23809 Daltons, PDI=3.1.

(E) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, DMBPC, and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone

The polymer (E) was prepared in the same manner as polymer (D), but with the following differences. First, the p-cumylphenol solution was (145 grams, 0.68 moles, 3.8 mole %) in 500 mL of dichloromethane. Second, to the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (11 liters (L)), DI water (12 L), bisphenol-A (1560 grams, 6.8 moles), DMBPC (2650 grams, 8.7 moles, 50.2 mole %), 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (380 grams, 1.8 moles, 10.3 mole %), triethylamine (36 grams, 0.35 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). Next, the Mw of the reaction sample was Mw=23595 Daltons, PDI=2.8. Last, the final powder yield was 3175 grams. Mw=23267 Daltons, PDI=2.8.

(F) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from BPA, PPPBP (33 Mole %), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (10 Mole %)

A solution of PPPBP (2075 grams, 5.3 moles, 33.0 mole %) was prepared in 5 liters of DI water with 33% NaOH (1407 grams, 11.6 moles). The PPPBP solution was placed in an addition pot connected to the reactor via a dosing pump.

To the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (15 L), DI water (8 L), bisphenol-A (2075 grams, 9.1 moles), 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (350 grams, 1.6 moles, 10.2 mole %), PCP (139 grams, 0.65 moles, 3.9 mole %), triethylamine (36 grams, 0.35 moles), and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, then transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe, and various material addition nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 g/min flow rate) by the DCS. Simultaneously, flow of the PPPBP solution to the reactor was initiated. The PPPBP solution was added at a flow rate of approximately 800 grams per minute. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 8.5 by DCS-controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH. The phosgene flow to the reactor continued after the completion of PPPBP solution addition until the total phosgene set point was reached (2200 grams, 22.2 moles). After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of unreacted BPA and free of chloroformate. Mw of a reaction sample was determined by GPC using a UV detector (Mw=24104, PDI=2.5). An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 moles) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with DI water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 ppm each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The resin was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (210 F). Powder yield 2449 grams. Mw=23369 Daltons, PDI=2.4.

(G) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-AP (90 Mole %) and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (10 Mole %)

A solution of p-cumylphenol (140 grams, 0.66 moles, 4.0 mole %) was prepared in 500 mL of dichloromethane. The p-cumylphenol (PCP) solution was placed in an addition pot connected to the reactor via a dosing pump. To the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (18 L), DI water (10 L), bisphenol-AP (4150 grams, 14.3 moles), 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone (350 grams, 1.6 moles, 10.3 mole %), tirehtylamine (36 grams, 0.35 moles), and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, then transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe, and various material addition nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 grams/minute flow rate) by the DCS and an initial amount (220 grams, 2.2 moles) was added. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 9.0 by DCS-controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH.

After addition of the initial amount of phosgene, the PCP solution was added to the reactor at 500 mL/min flow rate by DCS control while phosgene flow to the reactor continued. Phosgene addition continued until the total set point was reached (1800 grams, 18.2 moles). After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of un-reacted bisphenol-AP and free of chloroformate. Mw of a reaction sample was determined by GPC using a UV detector (Mw=23722 Daltons, PDI=2.5). An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 moles) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with DI water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 ppm each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The rein was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (210 F). Powder yield 3175 grams. Mw=23066 Daltons, PDI=2.5.

(H) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, TBBPA (1 wt % Bromine), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (10 Mole %)

A solution of p-cumylphenol (173 grams, 0.81 moles, 4.0 mole %) was prepared in 500 mL of dichloromethane. The p-cumylphenol (PCP) solution was placed in an addition pot connected to the reactor via a dosing pump.

To the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (13 L), DI water (10 L), bisphenol-A (3975 grams, 17.4 moles), tetrabromobisphenol-A (100 grams, 0.2 moles, 1.1 wt % bromine), 4,4′-DHBP (425 grams, 2.0 moles, 10.1 mole %) triethylamine (36 grams, 0.35 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, then transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe and various material addition nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 g/min flow rate) by the DCS and an initial amount (250 grams, 2.5 moles) was added. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 10.0 by DCS-controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH.

After addition of the initial amount of phosgene, the PCP solution was added to the reactor at 500 mL/min flow rate by DCS control while phosgene flow to the reactor continued. Phosgene addition continued until the total set point was reached (2500 grams, 25.3 moles). After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of un-reacted BPA and free of chloroformate. Mw of a reaction sample was determined by GPC using a UV detector (Mw=23605 Daltons, PDI=2.5). An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 mole) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with DI water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 ppm each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The resin was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (210 F). Powder yield 2903 grams. Mw=23350 Daltons, PDI=2.6.

(I) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, TBBPA (2 wt % Bromine), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (20 Mole %)

The polymer (I) was prepared in the same manner as polymer (H), but with the following differences. First, the p-cumylphenol solution was (172 grams, 0.81 moles, 4.0 mole %) in 500 mL of dichloromethane. Second, to the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (13 L), DI water (10 L), bisphenol-A (3475 grams, 15.2 moles), tetrabromobisphenol-A (185 grams, 0.34 moles, 2.1 wt % bromine), 4,4′-DHBP (840 grams, 3.9 moles, 20.1 mole %) triethylamine (55 grams, 0.54 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). Next, the Mw of the reaction sample was Mw=23994 Daltons, PDI=2.2. Last, the final powder yield was 2858 grams. Mw=23738 Daltons, PDI=2.3.

(J) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, TBBPA (26 wt % Bromine), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (10 Mole %)

The polymer (J) was prepared in the same manner as polymer (H), but with the following differences. First, the p-cumylphenol solution was (114 grams, 0.54 moles, 3.7 mole %) in 500 mL of dichloromethane. Second, to the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (13 L), DI water (10 L), bisphenol-A (1925 grams, 8.4 moles), tetrabromobisphenol-A (2265 grams, 4.2 moles, 26.7 wt % bromine), 4,4′-DHBP (310 grams, 1.4 moles, 10.3 mole %) triethylamine (95 grams, 0.94 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). Next, the Mw of the reaction sample was Mw=24184 Daltons, PDI=2.6. Last, the final powder yield was 2676 grams. Mw=23613 Dalton, PDI=2.7.

(K) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, TBBPA (26 wt % Bromine), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (20 Mole %)

The polymer (K) was prepared in the same manner as polymer (H), but with the following differences. First, the p-cumylphenol solution was (114 grams, 0.81 moles, 3.6 mole %) in 500 mL of dichloromethane. Second, to the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (13 L), DI water (10 L), bisphenol-A (1660 grams, 7.3 moles), tetrabromobisphenol-A (2225 grams, 4.1 moles, 26.2 wt % bromine), 4,4′-DHBP (615 grams, 2.9 moles, 20.2 mole %) triethylamine (95 grams, 0.94 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). Next, the Mw of the reaction sample was Mw=23835 Daltons, PDI=2.6. Last, the final powder yield was 2087 grams. Mw=22956 Daltons, PDI=2.6.

(L) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, D45 Siloxane (20 wt % Siloxane), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (10 Mole %)

To the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (13 L), DI water (10 L), p-cumylphenol (110 grams, 0.52 mole, 3.3 mole %), bisphenol-A (3075 grams, 13.5 moles), eugenol capped D45 siloxane (1100 grams, 0.29 moles, 20.0 wt % dimethylsiloxane), 4,4′-DHBP (325 grams, 1.5 moles, 9.6 mole %) triethylamine (36 grams, 0.35 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, then transferred to the 70 L batch reactor which was equipped with an overhead condenser, circulation loop, pH probe and various material addition nozzles. The formulation tank was rinsed with dichloromethane (5 L) which was transferred to the batch reactor. The reactor agitator was started and the circulation flow was set at 80 L/min. Phosgene vapor flow to the reactor was initiated (80 g/min flow rate) by the DCS. The pH of the reaction was maintained at a target of 10.0 by DCS-controlled addition of 33% aqueous NaOH. Phosgene addition continued until the total set point was reached (2500 grams, 25.3 moles). After completion of the phosgene addition, a sample of the reactor was obtained and verified to be free of un-reacted BPA and free of chloroformate. Mw of a reaction sample was determined by GPC using a UV detector (Mw=30692 Daltons, PDI=2.9). An additional charge of phosgene was added (200 grams, 2.0 mole) to the reactor. The reactor was purged with nitrogen then the batch was transferred to the centrifuge feed tank.

To the batch in the centrifuge feed tank was added dilution dichloromethane (8 L) then the mixture was purified using a train of liquid-liquid centrifuges. Centrifuge one separated the brine phase. Centrifuge two removed the triethylamine catalyst by extracting the resin solution with aqueous hydrochloric acid (pH 1). Centrifuges three through eight removed residual ions by extracting the resin solution with DI water. A sample of the resin solution was tested and verified less than 5 ppm each of ionic chloride and residual triethylamine.

The resin solution was transferred to the precipitation feed tank. The resin was isolated as a white powder by steam precipitation followed by drying in a cone shaped vessel using heated nitrogen (210 F). Powder yield 3175 grams. Mw=30024 Daltons, PDI=2.8.

(M) Preparation of Cross-Linkable Polycarbonate from Bisphenol-A, D45 Siloxane (20 wt % Siloxane), and 4,4′-Dihydroxybenzophenone (20 Mole %)

The polymer (M) was prepared in the same manner as polymer (L), but with the following differences.

First, to the formulation tank was added dichloromethane (13 L), DI water (10 L), p-cumylphenol (111 grams, 0.52 mole, 3.3 mole %), bisphenol-A (2750 grams, 12.0 moles), eugenol capped D45 siloxane (1100 grams, 0.29 moles, 20.0 wt % dimethylsiloxane), 4,4′-DHBP (650 grams, 3.0 moles, 19.1 mole %) triethylamine (36 grams, 0.35 moles) and sodium gluconate (10 grams, iron scavenger). Next, the Mw of the reaction sample was Mw=30547 Daltons, PDI=3.4. Last, the final powder yield was 2631 grams. Mw=29641 Daltons, PDI=2.8.

Results

A summary of the polycarbonates A-G, L, and M is provided below in Table 1. These were subsequently used in testing, along with the other listed components.

TABLE 1 Component Description Trade name A Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, 6 mole % sebacic acid, and 5 mole % 4-HBP B Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, 6 mole % sebacic acid, and 5 mole % 4,4′-DHBP C Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, 6 mole % sebacic acid, and 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP D Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A and 50 mole % DMBPC E Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, 50 mole % DMBPC, and 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP F Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, 33 mole % PPPBP, and 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP G Polycarbonate containing 90 mole % bisphenol-AP and 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP L Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, D45 siloxane (20 wt % siloxane) and 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP M Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, D45 siloxane (20 wt % siloxane) and 20 mole % 4,4′-DHBP Phosphite Tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite Irgaphos 168 Rimar Salt Potassium perfluorobutanesulfonate Lanxess LF-PC Bisphenol-A homopolymer with Mw ~30,000 Daltons HF-PC Bisphenol-A homopolymer with Mw ~22,000 Daltons PC-1 Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A and 6 mole % sebacic acid PC-2 Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A and 33 mole % PPPBP PC-3 Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A and D45 siloxane (20 wt % siloxane) PC-4 Polycarbonate containing bisphenol-A, D45 siloxane (20 wt % siloxane) and 10 mole % 4,4′-DHBP

Flame Testing

Flammability tests are typically performed according to Underwriter's Laboratory Bulletin 94. Materials may be classified as V-0, V-1 or V-2 on the basis of the test results obtained for samples of a given thickness. It is assumed that a material that meets a given standard at a given thickness can also meet the same standard at greater thicknesses (e.g. a material that obtains V0 performance at 0.8 mm thickness can also obtain V0 performance at 1.0 mm thickness, 1.5 mm, etc.). Generally, samples are burned in a vertical orientation after aging for 48 hours at 23° C. At least 10 injection molded bars are burned for each UL test. The criteria for each of the flammability classifications tested are described below.

V0: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after removing the igniting flame does not exceed five seconds and none of the vertically placed samples produces drips of burning particles that ignite absorbent cotton, and no specimen burns up to the holding clamp after flame or after glow. Five bars flame out time (FOT) is the sum of the flame out time for five bars each lit twice for ten (10) seconds each, for a maximum flame out time of 50 seconds. FOT1 is the average flame out time after the first light. FOT2 is the average flame out time after the second light.

V1: In a sample placed so that its long axis is 180 degrees to the flame, the average period of flaming and/or smoldering after removing the igniting flame does not exceed twenty-five seconds and, for a V-1 rating, none of the vertically placed samples produces drips of burning particles that ignite absorbent cotton. Five bar flame out time (FOT) is the sum of the flame out time for five bars, each lit twice for ten (10) seconds each, for a maximum flame out time of 250 seconds.

Data was collected from many samples (typically 20 bars), then analyzed by calculating the average flame out time, standard deviation of the flame out time and the total number of drips, and by using statistical methods to convert that data to a prediction of the probability of first time pass, or “p(FTP)”, that a particular sample formulation would achieve a “pass” rating in the conventional UL94 V0 or V1 testing of 5 bars. The probability of a first time pass on a first submission (pFTP) may be determined according to the formula:

PFTP=(P _(t1>mbt,n=0) ×P _(t2>mbt,n=0) ×P _(total<=mtbt) ×P _(drip,n=0))

where P_(t1>mbt, n=0) is the probability that no first burn time exceeds a maximum burn time value, P_(t2>mbt, n=0) is the probability that no second burn time exceeds a maximum burn time value, P_(total<=mtbt) is the probability that the sum of the burn times is less than or equal to a maximum total burn time value, and P_(drip, n=0) is the probability that no specimen exhibits dripping during the flame test. First and second burn time refer to burn times after a first and second application of the flame, respectively.

The probability that no first burn time exceeds a maximum burn time value, P_(t1>mbt, n=0), may be determined from the formula: P_(t1>mbt, n=0)=(1−P_(t1>mbt))⁵ where P_(t1>mbt) is the area under the log normal distribution curve for t1>mbt, and where the exponent “5” relates to the number of bars tested. The probability that no second burn time exceeds a maximum burn time value may be determined from the formula: P_(t2>mbt, n=0)=(1−P_(t2>mbt)) where P_(t2>mbt) is the area under the normal distribution curve for t2>mbt. As above, the mean and standard deviation of the burn time data set are used to calculate the normal distribution curve. For the UL-94 V-0 rating, the maximum burn time is 10 seconds. For a V-1 or V-2 rating the maximum burn time is 30 seconds. The probability P_(drip, n=0) that no specimen exhibits dripping during the flame test is an attribute function, estimated by: (1−P_(drip))⁵ where P_(drip)=(the number of bars that drip/the number of bars tested).

The probability P_(total<=mtbt) that the sum of the burn times is less than or equal to a maximum total burn time value may be determined from a normal distribution curve of simulated 5-bar total burn times. The distribution may be generated from a Monte Carlo simulation of 1000 sets of five bars using the distribution for the burn time data determined above. Techniques for Monte Carlo simulation are well known in the art. A normal distribution curve for 5-bar total burn times may be generated using the mean and standard deviation of the simulated 1000 sets. Therefore, P_(total<=mtbt) may be determined from the area under a log normal distribution curve of a set of 1000 Monte Carlo simulated 5-bar total burn time for total<=maximum total burn time. For the UL-94 V-0 rating, the maximum total burn time is 50 seconds. For a V-1 rating, the maximum total burn time is 250 seconds.

A 90% probability of passing the first time (i.e., p(FTP) of 0.9) is considered acceptable performance. Values significantly lower than 0.9 are considered unacceptable.

Samples were exposed to filtered UV light provided by a Loctite Zeta 7411-S system, which used a 400 W metal halide arc lamp and behaved like a D-bulb electrodeless bulb in spectral output with a 280-nm cut-on wavelength filter. This was done because in prior experiments, filtered light showed a lower change in YI for equivalent doses of UVA compared to unfiltered UV light. The samples were exposed on both sides beneath the UV lights for the equivalent UVA dosage of 36 J/cm² per side. The UV energy for the Loctite system is provided below in Table A, and was measured using an EIT PowerPuck. The dose was measured as the energy from 320-390 nm (UVA), 280-320 nm (UVB), 250-260 nm (UVC) and 395-445 nm (UVV). The dose was calculated in J/cm².

TABLE A Loctite (filtered light). Loctite Dose UVA UVB UVC UVV Filtered J/cm² J/cm² J/cm² J/cm² 320 sec exposure 12.0 2.4 0 7.3 960 sec exposure 36.0 7.2 0 21.9

The Yellowness Index (YI) was measured before and/or after UV exposure using an X-Rite Color i7 benchtop spectrophotometer in the transmission mode using CIELAB color equation, an observer angle of 2 degrees, and illuminant C as the light source. YI was measured following ASTM E313-73 (D1925).

The melt volume rate (MVR) was measured using ISO 1133 at 300° C., 1.2 kilogram (kg) load. MVR is reported in cubic centimeters (cc) of polymer melt/10 minutes.

The notched Izod impact strength (INI) was measured using ASTM D256-10, 5 lbf/ft, and 3.0 mm thickness. INI was measured at 23° C. and at −30° C. to test for low temperature impact/ductility.

Chemical resistance was measured by the elongation at break of tensile bars having 3.2 mm thickness. For chemically exposed samples, the tensile bars were put under 1% strain at 23° C. and exposed to the chemical. They were then removed from the strain jigs, and the tensile modulus, tensile strength, and tensile elongation at break were measured following the ASTM D638-10 Type I method at 50 mm/min. Values shown in the table are a percentage of a tested property that is retained, calculated from values measured after chemical exposure versus a similar part without chemical exposure.

Tables 1-3 contain experimental data. The units are in parts by weight. Controls are labeled “C” in the tables below, and the Examples are labeled with the letter “E”. Formulations containing polymers A-G all exhibited molecular weight increase, and most had insoluble layers. The chemical resistance was highly improved when polymers A-D were used. The flame retardance also improved when polymer E was used, as seen in the p(FTP) ratings. For polymer F and G, p(FTP) improved after UV exposure. For Examples containing polymers L and M, the impact and elongation at break are retained, even after crosslinking. The acetone readings are improved as well.

TABLE 1 Component Units E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 A pbw 49.93 B pbw 49.93 C pbw 24.97 99.86 PC-1 pbw 49.93 49.93 74.89 D pbw 74.89 E pbw 24.97 99.86 Rimar Salt pbw 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 Phosphite pbw 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 MVR, 360 sec cm³/10 min 90 81 81 91 8.7 7.9 MVR, 1080 sec cm³/10 min 13 102 106 98 8.8 8.1 Δ Mw g/mol 2003 3442 4119 898 10376 5292 Insoluble Layer, 36 J/cm² μm 0 5.59 9.22 40.95 94.4 96.22 No UV Exposure Tensile Modulus MPa 2390 2334 2332 2320 2762 2727 Tensile Strength at MPa 61 59 59 59 78 79 Yield Tensile Strength at MPa 51 44 45 47 63 63 Break Elongation at Break % 23 71 84 76 23 19 YI, 3.2 mm 2.5 2.6 2.4 3.0 4.1 4.6 pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, V-0 0 0 0 0 0 0.33836 23° C. pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, V-1 0 0 0 0 0 0.41220 23° C. ESCR, 1% Strain Elongation at Break % Broke Broke Broke Broke Broke Broke (Acetone) Tensile Strength at % Broke Broke Broke Broke Broke Broke Break (Acetone) 36 J/cm² Exposure, Both Sides Modulus of Elasticity MPa 2380 2330 2300 2337 2740 2734 Strength at Yield MPa 62 61 60 61 79 79 Tensile Strength at MPa 46 46 50 46 63 63 Break Elongation at Break % 60 64 41 52 24 18 YI, 3.2 mm 7.5 11.3 10.6 12.5 12.3 11.5 pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, V-0 0 0 0 0 0.89881 0.29491 23° C. pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, V-1 0 0 0 0 0.99990 0.97525 23° C. ESCR, 1% Strain Elongation at Break % 19 2 8 11 9 16 (Acetone) Tensile Strength at % 31 91 86 105 75 92 Break (Acetone)

TABLE 2 Component Units E7 E8 E9 E10 LF-PC pbw 74.89 G pbw 24.97 99.86 PC-2 pbw 74.89 F pbw 24.97 100 Rimar Salt pbw 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 Phosphite Stabilizer pbw 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 MVR, 360 sec cm³/10 min 7.7 6.8 15.4 8.7 MVR, 1080 sec cm³/10 min 8.7 7.1 14.4 8.7 Δ Mw g/mol 1722 497 6289 2502 Insoluble Layer, 36 J/cm² μm 0 5.42 2.92 5.8 No UV Exposure Tensile Modulus MPa 2598 2590 2376 2664 Tensile Strength at Yield MPa 77 78 63 74 Tensile Strength at Break MPa 64 64 65 63 Elongation at Break % 27 28 109 68 YI, 3.2 mm 9.6 20.4 3.6 8.6 pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, 23° C., V-0 0.48617 0.11275 0.00400 0.98700 pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, 23° C., V-1 0.57213 0.11343 0.00412 1.00000 36 J/cm² Exposure, Both Sides Modulus of Elasticity MPa 2587 2623 2383 2650 Strength at Yield MPa 77 77 63 73 Tensile Strength at Break MPa 61 64 60 60 Elongation at Break % 24 20 98 33 YI, 3.2 mm 34.3 41.4 13.2 17.3 pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, 23° C. V-0 0.98428 0.98458 0.91799 0.99978 pFTP, 1.5 mm, 2 day, 23° C. V-1 0.99999 1.00000 0.99996 1.00000

TABLE 3 Component Units C1 C2 E11 E12 C3 E13 E14 LF-PC pbw 37.47 37.47 37.47 37.47 34.07 34.07 39.77 HF-PC pbw 45 27.5 45 45 15.9 40.9 47.7 M pbw 17.5 25 L pbw 17.5 12.5 PC-3 pbw 17.5 17.5 25 PC-4 pbw 17.5 25 Phosphite pbw 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 MVR, 360 sec cm³/ 10.3 10.4 9.3 8.8 8.3 7.3 10.3 10 min MVR, 1080 sec cm³/ 10.9 10.6 10.0 10.6 9.0 8.3 11.4 10 min Δ Mw g/mol 154 5330 6975 7471 4312 6518 9135 Insoluble Layer, 36 J/cm² μm 0 16 0 13 22 17 9 No UV Exposure Tensile Modulus MPa 2203 2170 2183 2150 2143 2113 2227 Tensile Strength at MPa 56 56 56 56 54 54 57 Yield Tensile Strength at MPa 66 65 60 63 61 61 61 Break Elongation at Break % 142 137 128 131 128 134 126 NII Ductility (23° C., 5 lbf/ft) % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 NII Strength (23° C., J/m 838 835 873 845 816 834 847 5 lbf/ft) NII Ductility (−30° C., % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 5 lbf/ft) NII Strength (−30° C., J/m 861 733 744 745 709 745 728 5 lbf/ft) ESCR, 1% Strain Elongation at Break % 10 24 0 0 0 32 0 (Acetone) Tensile Strength at % 6 34 0 0 0 17 0 Break (Acetone) Elongation at Break % 53 91 4 33 64 40 4 (Fantastik) Tensile Strength at % 81 93 86 86 89 87 88 Break (Fantastik) Elongation at Break % 2 90 64 71 66 71 1 (Banana Boat) Tensile Strength at % 33 92 90 71 71 72 14 Break (Banana Boat) 36 J/cm² Exposure, Both Sides Modulus of Elasticity MPa 2197 2123 2150 2197 2090 2093 2173 Strength at Yield MPa 56 56 56 56 54 54 57 Tensile Strength at MPa 66 60 60 58 57 60 61 Break Elongation at Break % 141 121 125 111 116 126 121 NII Ductility (23° C., 5 lbf/ft) % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 NII Strength (23° C., J/m 840 838 836 820 803 825 824 5 lbf/ft) NII Ductility (−30° C., % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 5 lbf/ft) NII Strength (−30° C., J/m 738 927 707 725 688 723 698 5 lbf/ft) ESCR, 1% Strain Elongation at Break % 10 91 81 92 95 99 69 (Acetone) Tensile Strength at % 6 98 87 92 98 102 87 Break (Acetone) Elongation at Break % 1 30 3 4 40 6 11 (Fantastik) Tensile Strength at % 42 85 77 89 80 82 78 Break (Fantastik) Elongation at Break % 8 98 22 46 64 18 64 (Banana Boat) Tensile Strength at % 22 103 46 72 89 57 95 Break (Banana Boat)

In Table 3, compositions C1, C2, E11, and E12 had a constant molar percentage of D45 siloxane, but a variable molar percentage of 4,4′-DHBP. Compositions C3, E13, and E14 had a constant molar percentage of 4,4′-DHBP, but a variable molar percentage of D45 siloxane. Crosslinking and ESCR improvement occur in cases where the terpolymer containing all three monomers was used or separate copolymers where one copolymer contains D45 siloxane and the second copolymer contains 4,4′-DHBP.

Set forth below are embodiments of the resin and articles disclosed herein.

Embodiment 1

A cross-linkable polycarbonate resin that is formed from a reaction of: a dihydroxybenzophenone; a first dihydroxy chain extender; a second dihydroxy chain extender; and a carbonate precursor; and optionally an end-capping agent selected from the group consisting of phenol, t-butylphenol, p-cumylphenol, octylphenol, p-cyanophenol, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone.

Embodiment 2

The resin of Embodiment 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

Embodiment 3

The resin of Embodiment 2, containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, or containing from about 35 mole % to about 99 mole % of repeating units derived from the first dihydroxy chain extender, or having a melt flow rate (MFR) of about 1 to about 110 g/10 min, when measured according to ASTM D1238-13 at 1.2 kg load, 300° C., and 360 second dwell.

Embodiment 4

The resin of any one of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone; and the first dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A.

Embodiment 5

The resin of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is a polysiloxane monomer, optionally wherein the polysiloxane monomer is present in an amount such that the resin contains from 1 wt % to 25 wt % of siloxane units, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate resin.

Embodiment 6

The resin of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is a bisphenol of Formula (A):

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) each represent a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group and may be the same or different; p and q are each independently integers of 0 to 4; and A represents one of the groups of Formula (A-1):

wherein R^(c) and R^(d) each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent linear or cyclic hydrocarbon group; R^(e) is a divalent hydrocarbon group; R^(f) is a monovalent linear hydrocarbon group; and r is an integer from 0 to 5.

Embodiment 7

The resin of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane (DMBPC).

Embodiment 8

The resin of Embodiment 7, containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the DMBPC, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

Embodiment 9

The resin of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is tetrabromobisphenol-A, and containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the tetrabromobisphenol-A.

Embodiment 10

The resin of Embodiment 9, containing repeating units derived from the tetrabromobisphenol-A in an amount such that the resin contains from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of bromine, based on the total weight of the resin, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 99 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

Embodiment 11

The resin of any one of Embodiments 1-4, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one (PPPBP).

Embodiment 12

The resin of Embodiment 11, containing from about 5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the PPPBP, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 94.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.

Embodiment 13

A cross-linkable polycarbonate resin that is formed from a reaction of: a benzophenone; a dihydroxy chain extender; and a carbonate precursor; and optionally an end-capping agent selected from the group consisting of phenol, t-butylphenol, p-cumylphenol, octylphenol, p-cyanophenol, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone.

Embodiment 14

The resin of Embodiment 13, wherein the benzophenone is a monohydroxybenzophenone; the dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A; and wherein the reaction further comprises an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

Embodiment 15

The resin of Embodiment 14, wherein the monohydroxybenzophenone is 4-hydroxybenzophenone; and the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid is sebacic acid.

Embodiment 16

The resin of any one of Embodiments 14-15, containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, or containing from about 85 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy chain extender, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 5 mole % of endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone, or wherein the carbonate precursor is phosgene.

Embodiment 17

The resin of Embodiment 13, wherein the benzophenone is a dihydroxybenzophenone; and the dihydroxy chain extender is 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-ethane (bisphenol-AP).

Embodiment 18

The resin of Embodiment 17, wherein the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-hydroxybenzophenone, or wherein the resin contains from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone, or contains from about 50 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-AP.

Embodiment 19

A polymeric composition comprising the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin of any one of Embodiments 1-18.

Embodiment 20

An article formed from the polymeric composition of Embodiment 19, optionally wherein the article is exposed to UV radiation to cause cross-linking of the resin.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

1. A cross-linkable polycarbonate resin that is formed from a reaction of: a dihydroxybenzophenone; a first dihydroxy chain extender; a second dihydroxy chain extender; and a carbonate precursor; and optionally an end-capping agent selected from the group consisting of phenol, t-butylphenol, p-cumylphenol, octylphenol, p-cyanophenol, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone.
 2. The resin of claim 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.
 3. The resin of claim 2, containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, or containing from about 35 mole % to about 99 mole % of repeating units derived from the first dihydroxy chain extender, or having a melt flow rate (MFR) of about 1 to about 110 g/10 min, when measured according to ASTM D1238-13 at 1.2 kg load, 300° C., and 360 second dwell.
 4. The resin of claim 1, wherein the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone; and the first dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A.
 5. The resin of claim 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is a polysiloxane monomer, optionally wherein the polysiloxane monomer is present in an amount such that the resin contains from 1 wt % to 25 wt % of siloxane units, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate resin.
 6. The resin of claim 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is a bisphenol of Formula (A):

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) each represent a halogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group and may be the same or different; p and q are each independently integers of 0 to 4; and A represents one of the groups of Formula (A-1):

wherein R^(c) and R^(d) each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent linear or cyclic hydrocarbon group; R^(e) is a divalent hydrocarbon group; R^(f) is a monovalent linear hydrocarbon group; and r is an integer from 0 to
 5. 7. The resin of claim 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is 1,1-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane (DMBPC).
 8. The resin of claim 7, containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the DMBPC, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.
 9. The resin of claim 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is tetrabromobisphenol-A, and containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the tetrabromobisphenol-A.
 10. The resin of claim 9, containing repeating units derived from the tetrabromobisphenol-A in an amount such that the resin contains from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of bromine, based on the total weight of the resin, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 99 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.
 11. The resin of claim 1, wherein the second dihydroxy chain extender is 3,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylisoindolin-1-one (PPPBP).
 12. The resin of claim 11, containing from about 5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the PPPBP, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 94.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-A, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone.
 13. A cross-linkable polycarbonate resin that is formed from a reaction of: a benzophenone; a dihydroxy chain extender; and a carbonate precursor; and optionally an end-capping agent selected from the group consisting of phenol, t-butylphenol, p-cumylphenol, octylphenol, p-cyanophenol, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone.
 14. The resin of claim 13, wherein the benzophenone is a monohydroxybenzophenone; the dihydroxy chain extender is bisphenol-A; and wherein the reaction further comprises an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.
 15. The resin of claim 14, wherein the monohydroxybenzophenone is 4-hydroxybenzophenone; and the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid is sebacic acid.
 16. The resin of claim 14, containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 15 mole % of repeating units derived from the aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, or containing from about 85 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxy chain extender, or containing from about 0.5 mole % to about 5 mole % of endcap groups derived from the monohydroxybenzophenone, or wherein the carbonate precursor is phosgene.
 17. The resin of claim 13, wherein the benzophenone is a dihydroxybenzophenone; and the dihydroxy chain extender is 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-ethane (bisphenol-AP).
 18. The resin of claim 17, wherein the dihydroxybenzophenone is 4,4′ hydroxybenzophenone, or wherein the resin contains from about 0.5 mole % to about 50 mole % of repeating units derived from the dihydroxybenzophenone, or contains from about 50 mole % to about 99.5 mole % of repeating units derived from the bisphenol-AP.
 19. A polymeric composition comprising the cross-linkable polycarbonate resin of claim
 18. 20. An article formed from the polymeric composition of claim 19, optionally wherein the article is exposed to UV radiation to cause cross-linking of the resin. 